Scientists had predicted since the 1970s that gum tissue could contain its own specific stem cells, but until recently, limited technology had failed to show such cells.

In July 2007 US scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), isolated human postnatal stem cells directly from the periodontal ligament, the fibrous, net-like tendon that holds our teeth in their sockets. These stem cells turned out to actually form periodontal ligament and cementum when transplanted into mice. The cells even produced fibrous structures similar to the so called Sharpey's fibers, which insert into both cementum and bone to hold teeth in place.

The group is now following up on this finding in larger animals. If successful, they are eager to evaluate their regenerative ability in people with advanced periodontal disease, which can be extremely difficult to control with current treatments. "From a clinical point of view, what's nice is these stem cells are easily accessible," said Shi.

In 2008 they had directly isolated stem cells in the gums from the ligaments that hold teeth in their sockets. They said inserting the stem cells into rodents resulted in dense regenerated gum tissue and ligament material.

Of the 13 human stem cell transplants into rodents, eight produced gum tissue and improved the fiber structures that hold the teeth in place. "In theory, people could preserve, or bank, these stem cells when they have their wisdom teeth extracted. This would then open the door for biology-based regenerative treatment later in life," Dr. Songtao Shi, an NIDCR scientist, said in a statement.

Source: NIDCR

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