Growing a Third Set of Teeth:

Imagine a world where losing a tooth doesn’t mean relying on dentures or implants. What if, instead, you could simply regrow your teeth naturally? Thanks to a team of pioneering Japanese researchers, this futuristic dream might soon become a reality. Their groundbreaking work focuses on unlocking the hidden potential of human biology to regrow teeth—a feat inspired by nature’s own tooth-regenerating champions: sharks.

The Science Behind the Smile

In 2021, researchers made waves with a study published in *Scientific Reports*, revealing how targeting a specific gene could influence tooth growth in animals. Now, the same team is taking their research to the next level with a human clinical trial. Their focus? The USAG-1 gene, which plays a key role in controlling tooth development. By blocking the protein produced by this gene, scientists believe they can stimulate the growth of new teeth in humans.

Dr. Katsu Takahashi, the lead researcher and head of the dentistry and oral surgery department at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka, has dedicated his career to this ambitious goal. “The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” he told *Mainichi*. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”

Humans Already Have the Blueprint for a Third Set of Teeth

Here’s the fascinating part: humans are already equipped with the biological groundwork for a third set of teeth. According to Dr. Takahashi, our mouths contain “buds” for an additional set of teeth, lying dormant and ready to grow under the right conditions. This phenomenon is most evident in the 1% of people with *hypodontia*, a condition where individuals grow more than the standard set of 32 teeth. By activating these dormant buds through gene manipulation, researchers believe they can trigger natural tooth regrowth.

The team’s earlier experiments on mice demonstrated promising results. By developing a medication to block the USAG-1 protein, they successfully enabled mice to grow new teeth. This breakthrough has sparked hope for treating conditions like *anodontia*, a rare genetic disorder that prevents a full set of teeth from developing, affecting about 1% of the global population.

A Future Without Dentures or Implants?

If the clinical trials prove successful, this revolutionary treatment could be available by 2030. Dr. Takahashi envisions a future where tooth regrowth medicine becomes a standard option, alongside dentures and implants. “We’re hoping to see a time when tooth regrowth medicine is a third choice for patients,” he said.

The implications of this research extend far beyond cosmetic benefits. For millions of people worldwide who suffer from tooth loss due to injury, disease, or genetic conditions, this breakthrough could mean a life-changing solution. It could also reduce the need for invasive dental procedures and offer a more natural, long-lasting alternative to current treatments

A Leap Forward in Regenerative Medicine

This research isn’t just about teeth—it’s a testament to the power of regenerative medicine. A 2023 paper published in *Regenerative Therapy* highlighted the potential of the anti-USAG-1 antibody treatment, calling it a “breakthrough in treating tooth anomalies in humans.” By harnessing the body’s innate ability to heal and regenerate, scientists are opening the door to a new era of medical possibilities.

So, while we may not be turning into sharks anytime soon, sharing their ability to regrow teeth could be the next best thing. With the promise of a third set of teeth on the horizon, the future of dentistry—and our smiles—looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned: by 2030, your next trip to the dentist might involve growing a brand-new tooth instead of drilling or filling one.