In recent years, cryonics has gained attention as a method of preserving living tissues at extremely low temperatures, with the hope that future technology could bring individuals back to life. Central to this process are stem cells, known for their potential to regenerate cells and tissues. While stem cell therapy is currently most commonly applied in bone marrow transplants, it shows great promise for treating a wide array of conditions, such as heart disease and multiple sclerosis.
One innovative method for harvesting stem cells is through the preservation of children’s milk teeth. By quickly placing a removed tooth into an isotonic solution and sending it to a lab for stem cell extraction and storage, many valuable stem cells can be preserved for future medical use. Although a single tooth typically contains only a few thousand stem cells, research is ongoing to multiply these cells into the millions needed for therapeutic purposes.
The cost of storing stem cells from milk teeth varies depending on the country. In the UK, for example, it generally costs about £1,500 for 30 years of storage. While the concept of storing children’s milk teeth for future health benefits may seem unconventional to some, it is becoming increasingly popular, with many dentists recommending it as a way to protect families’ future health.
As medical advancements continue, storing stem cells may one day become as common as registering as an organ donor or giving blood. The tooth fairy might soon have competition, as these lost teeth could play a crucial role in saving lives in the future.