In the ever-evolving world of medical research, stem cell therapy continues to emerge as a powerful tool in the fight against disease and injury. One of the newest areas of exploration involves stem cells derived from baby teeth, which may hold potential for regenerative treatments in the future. While the science is still developing, researchers and medical professionals are taking a closer look at what this means for families and the choices they make about their children’s dental health.
What Are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important?
Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to self-renew and transform into various types of specialized cells, such as bone, muscle, nerve, or heart cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, these cells play a central role in the body’s natural repair system and have been used in certain approved treatments, such as bone marrow transplants for leukemia and other blood disorders【Source: Mayo Clinic】.
There are several types of stem cells, including:
- Embryonic stem cells, which are pluripotent but come with ethical concerns.
- Adult stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow or fat.
- Perinatal stem cells, including those from umbilical cord blood.
- Dental pulp stem cells, found inside the soft tissue of baby teeth.
Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Non-Invasive Source
The concept of harvesting stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) was first introduced in the early 2000s. Unlike stem cells harvested from bone marrow or embryonic sources, SHEDs can be collected non-invasively during a natural process—when a child loses their baby teeth.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine explains that SHEDs are “a valuable and accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs),” which have shown potential in laboratory research for repairing tissue, reducing inflammation, and regenerating bone and neural cells.
These stem cells are isolated from the dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, and can be cryopreserved for long-term storage in specialized biobanks.
Potential Applications of Dental Stem Cells
Laboratory studies on dental pulp stem cells suggest their regenerative abilities could one day contribute to the treatment of various health conditions, including:
- Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Type 1 diabetes
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone and dental tissue regeneration
However, it is important to emphasize that these applications are still in the experimental phase. As of 2025, dental stem cells have not been widely approved for clinical use in treating major diseases. Regulatory authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have yet to approve any therapies using SHEDs for general medical treatment.
Real-World Cases: Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells
While the clinical use of dental stem cells remains in early stages, umbilical cord blood stem cells have a more established track record. For example, in documented cases such as that of a child recovering from leukemia, cord blood transplants have been life-saving. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), over 35,000 patients worldwide have received cord blood transplants for various diseases.
Cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which are essential for forming blood and immune system cells. These types of transplants are routinely used in hospitals for treating certain cancers and blood disorders.
Should Parents Store Baby Teeth?
Given the potential future uses of dental pulp stem cells, some private companies now offer baby tooth stem cell banking. Parents can opt to send their child’s naturally lost baby teeth to a lab, where the stem cells are extracted, tested for viability, and stored in cryogenic conditions.
Private dental stem cell banking is marketed as a form of biological insurance, offering peace of mind that a child’s own cells could be available if regenerative therapies become widely approved in the future. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currently does not endorse private stem cell banking for families unless a medical need already exists within the family.
“Private storage of cord blood as ‘biological insurance’ is not recommended when there is no current or anticipated medical need,” the AAP stated in a 2017 report. This guidance also applies to other biological stem cell banking services.
Cost Considerations
Enrolling in private stem cell banking can involve a significant financial investment. Initial fees may range from $500 to $2,000, with annual storage fees of approximately $100 to $200. Families should evaluate whether this investment aligns with their financial priorities and health needs.
On the other hand, public cord blood banks, which are often available through hospitals or nonprofit organizations, allow parents to donate stem cells for public use—benefiting patients in need and advancing medical research.
Expert Opinion and Ongoing Research
Scientific interest in dental pulp stem cells continues to grow. Universities and biotech firms are conducting trials to explore the use of these cells in treating a range of conditions. Notably:
- Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are investigating the role of MSCs in reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
- Dental stem cells have been studied for tooth regeneration and periodontal healing at leading institutions such as the Harvard School of Dental Medicine【Source: Harvard University】.
Yet, medical experts caution that while the results are promising in pre-clinical trials, patients should not assume guaranteed therapeutic benefits until more robust human clinical trials are completed.
Summary: Weighing the Promise and Practicality
Saving baby teeth for stem cell extraction is a promising idea supported by early research in regenerative medicine. However, families should make decisions based on verified medical facts, current clinical practices, and consultation with healthcare providers.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stem cells from baby teeth (SHEDs) show potential for future treatments but are not yet approved for widespread medical use.
- Cord blood stem cells are currently more commonly used in clinical therapies.
- Parents may consider dental stem cell banking as an optional precaution, but it is not a medically necessary practice according to major health organizations.
For those considering stem cell preservation, speaking with a pediatrician or a regenerative medicine specialist is the most reliable way to assess risks, benefits, and costs.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic – Stem cells: What they are and what they do
- National Library of Medicine – SHEDs stem cells
- Health Resources and Services Administration – Cord Blood Transplantation
- American Academy of Pediatrics – Cord Blood Banking Policy Statement
- Harvard University – Stem Cell Research Initiatives in Dentistry
- NIH – Mesenchymal Stem Cell Clinical Trials
