Where did my teeth go?

paul.fr · « **on:** 25/02/2007 02:53:12 »

Why do we not continue to grow new teeth throughout our life?

JimBob · « **Reply #1 on:** 26/02/2007 23:03:05 »

We're not reptiles?

another_someone · « **Reply #2 on:** 26/02/2007 23:15:22 »

Or even rabbits (whom, because of their corrosive diet of raw vegetable, I believe can grow teeth throughout their life).

I believe there is some research going on regarding growing new teeth from stem cells (apparently, and I only half remember what I once heard) that some forms of breast cancer caused teeth to grow within the cancer, because the cells had switched to thinking they were meant to be new teeth cells, so someone thought they might be able to do this in a more controlled way in the place where teeth are meant to be.

elegantlywasted · « **Reply #3 on:** 27/02/2007 02:43:20 »

George is spot on when it comes to rabbit teeth. They continuously grow throught their lifetimes because they have "open rooted" teeth. Their teeth, however, do not become over grown because of simple chewing and gnawing on various objects (such as my baseboards or the corner of my door). I do not know if diet is a factor in these "open rooted" teeth.

Where did my teeth go?

paul.fr

Where did my teeth go?

JimBob

Where did my teeth go?

another_someone

Where did my teeth go?

elegantlywasted

Where did my teeth go?

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