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Cavities Start at Infancy
Researchers at the University of Illinois have conducted several studies that illustrate an alarming truth: Infants as young as 18 months are susceptible to bacterial gum infection that may lead to cavities later in life.
This explains former evidence that shows about 40% of children have a dental cavity or two by the time they enroll in Kindergarten class (around age 5).
The study was headed by Kelly Swanson, and she explains to British Medical Daily that “The soft tissue in the mouth appear to serve as reservoirs for potential pathogens prior to tooth [formation]." The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents take proactive measures to prevent infants from getting cavities.
Wisdom Teeth and Stem Cells
The "Wisdom Teeth" are the four molars located in the rear-most region of the upper and lower jaw. These molars are often extracted for either cosmetic or overall health purposes.
Researchers at the Japan National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology released statements in November of 2010 stating that these molars may be an ideal tissue from which stem cells may be harvested. The researchers claim the teeth have the potential to provide mesenchymal stromal cells similarly to bone marrow, however extraction comes at a fraction of the risk.
*Information Source: Miami Dentist Blog
