this post was submitted on 14 Dec 2024
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Unlike reptiles and fish, which usually replace their fangs on a regular basis, it is widely accepted that humans and most other mammals only grow two sets of teeth.

But hidden underneath our gums are the dormant buds of a third generation, according to Katsu Takahashi, head of oral surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka.

[…]

Tests on mice and ferrets suggest that blocking a protein called USAG-1 can awaken the third set, and the researchers have published lab photographs of regrown animal teeth.

In a study published last year, the team said their "antibody treatment in mice is effective for tooth regeneration and can be a breakthrough in treating tooth anomalies in humans".

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[–] EleventhHour@lemmy.world 33 points 2 months ago (1 children)

OK, so you’re not really regrowing teeth, you’re growing a hidden, third, backup tooth using some sort of gene therapy.

Cool

[–] RedAggroBest@lemmy.world 19 points 2 months ago (2 children)

It's reactivating a tooth bud. They could do it 4th or 5th times but iirc the actual tooth formation gets funky the more teeth you grow

[–] SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.de 26 points 2 months ago (1 children)

tooth formation gets funky the more teeth you grow

this sentence is quite cursed

[–] Cocodapuf@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

I don't know what you mean.

[–] ApatheticCactus@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago

Lol AI generated teeth

[–] jewbacca117@lemmy.world 21 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Babe, I can tell you haven't clipped your teeth in a while

[–] Hubi@feddit.org 7 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I'd rather be chewing on bark like a rodent.

[–] synae@lemmy.sdf.org 16 points 2 months ago

Can't wait to grow my teeth out

1000019910

[–] MilitantAtheist@lemmy.world 12 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] Valmond@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago

And what you'll get:

[–] Rolder@reddthat.com 11 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Can I have my current teeth removed and grow in a set that are less fucked up?

[–] astrsk@fedia.io 13 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Granted, your existing teeth will fall out all at once the next time you are really nervous and your new set of teeth will finish growing in when you turn 98.

[–] Rolder@reddthat.com 6 points 2 months ago

Does that mean I’m guaranteed to live until at least 98? Deal

[–] HootinNHollerin@quokk.au 11 points 2 months ago

Babe wake up, Teeth, the movie is becoming a true story

[–] cyrano@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 2 months ago
[–] jerkface@lemmy.ca 5 points 2 months ago

almost 30 years ago I was hearing about a company that grew new teeth, I can't remember if in your jaw or for later implantation. I've been waiting for EVER!

[–] elucubra@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 months ago

I dunno if I'd like teeth like the ones in the pic. I mean sometimes they'd be fun, but not always.