We often hear that the mouth is the window to the rest of the body. We sometimes hear that the mouth is a mirror of our general health. These statements suggest that the conditions inside of the mouth can provide clues about the health of the entire body. Your periodontist would agree, since many health conditions can be identified based upon the way that they impact your mouth and your smile, both positively and negatively.
However, the mouth can also be viewed as much more than a window or a mirror—it’s a treasure chest! Inside the mouth, there are precious findings that are of significant value to the rest of your body.
The presence of the stem cells that can be found inside of healthy teeth is one example of the treasures that the mouth can provide. Stem cells are being used to promote the regeneration and healing of the human body, and stem cell research has enhanced our ability to treat serious health conditions like Parkinson’s disease and Leukemia. It has been shown that the very best stem cells are those that have been harvested from your own body, and the most powerful stem cells are those that are found inside of your own teeth!
Of course, you wouldn’t wait until you are stricken with an illness to pull your healthy teeth just to access your vital stem cells. But, it is possible for your periodontist to harvest or save the stem cells from the healthy teeth that are removed from your mouth during your lifetime. Just think about the times when healthy teeth must be extracted:
- Wisdom teeth
- Naturally exfoliated baby teeth
- Broken teeth
- Teeth that are removed to make space for braces
The vital cells that are found within these teeth can be banked or preserved for future use. Plus, the stem cells from the teeth are typically easier to access than the cells that are collected from the umbilical cord or from bone marrow.
Find out more by making plans to discuss stem cell harvesting with our skilled periodontal team today. Call 212-756-8890 to schedule your informative consultation.
