If researchers have their way, parents might soon need to stock up on tooth fairy supplies. In recent years, there’s been a growing trend among parents to bank their children’s baby teeth as an alternative to the more commonly known cord blood stem cell storage. For decades, parents have spent significant amounts on cord blood banking, hoping to secure potential medical treatments for their kids or relatives in the future. However, the use of these stem cells has been limited, often seen as a backup plan. Now, banking baby teeth is gaining traction as a viable option.
Around a decade ago, a medical professional discovered that baby teeth harbor stem cells similar to those found in cord blood, with the potential to treat diseases and regenerate tissues and bones. Research has been ongoing to explore how these stem cells could be utilized effectively, with one promising avenue being the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. This condition impacts over 1.25 million Americans, with an estimated 8.1 million more possibly undiagnosed.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Alex Carter notes, “While we may not have solutions for some conditions today, advancements in research could change that tomorrow.” As investigations into the applications of these stem cells advance, specialized storage facilities have emerged to preserve these valuable samples. Moreover, companies are now offering kits that allow parents to safely collect and store their children’s baby teeth as they fall out.
Consider the case of 8-year-old Jamie Smith from Denver, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 3. After missing the chance to bank his cord blood, Jamie’s parents discovered a service called ToothSaver, which collaborates with dental practices to provide temperature-controlled kits for immediate tooth storage. These kits help extract stem cells, freeze them, and preserve them for potential future use.
While the costs can be similar to those associated with cord blood banking—ranging from $800 to $1,700 initially, plus annual fees of about $120—some parents see the potential benefits as worth the investment. “If a cure is found, we want to be part of that,” Jamie’s father, Michael Smith, shared during an interview.
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In summary, the potential to store stem cells from baby teeth offers a promising alternative to traditional cord blood banking. With ongoing research and the establishment of storage services, parents now have more options for safeguarding their children’s health in the future.
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