End of fillings in sight as scientists discover way to regrow tooth enamel

In 2017 King’s College London discovered that the drug Tideglusib stimulates the stem cells contained in the pulp of teeth so that they generate new dentine – the mineralised material under the enamel. Teeth already have the capability of regenerating dentine if the pulp inside the tooth becomes exposed through a trauma or infection, but can only naturally make a very thin layer, and not enough to fill the deep cavities caused by tooth decay.  Gallery: 20 foods that cause cavities (Espresso) Scientists showed it is possible to soak a small biodegradable sponge with the drug and insert it into a cavity, where it triggers the growth of dentin and repairs the damage within six weeks.  Earlier this month scientists at the University of Plymouth discovered a new group of stem cells which form skeletal tissue and contribute to the making dentin. Commenting on the new Chinese research Professor Damien Walmsley, Scientific Advisor for the British Dental Association, said: “This is exciting but it’s still a very long way off.