By a Pediatric Health Expert for Infant Pamper
Your child losing their first tooth is a moment most parents cherish, a keepsake for the memory box or a fun visit from the tooth fairy. But what if those tiny teeth hold something much more valuable than memories? Stem cells.
Baby teeth contain stem cells that may one day be used in medical treatments to repair tissue, fight disease, and even support regenerative therapies. This raises a big question for parents: “Can I store my child’s baby teeth at home for stem cells? Is it safe and worth it?”
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What Are Stem Cells in Baby Teeth?
✔ Why Preserve Baby Teeth for Stem Cells?
✔ Whether DIY baby tooth storage for stem cells is possible
✔ How to store teeth short-term at home safely
✔ What experts like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and UCLA Health say about professional banking
What Are Stem Cells in Baby Teeth?
Stem cells are special cells that can transform into many tissue types, including bone, nerve, and muscle. Baby tooth stem cell preservation relies on the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in the dental pulp, also called dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).
According to studies published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), dental pulp stem cells show promise in regenerative medicine for conditions like bone injuries, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases (Read the full study here).
Why Preserve Baby Teeth for Stem Cells?
Parents often wonder: Is banking baby teeth worth it? Here are the top reasons researchers and organizations like the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) highlight:
- Future Medical Uses: Stem cells from baby teeth may have roles in regenerative therapies and immune treatments.
Less Invasive Source: Easier than harvesting stem cells from bone marrow.
Personalized Medicine: Could help your child later in life.
⚠Important: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that clinical use of dental stem cells is still experimental. No guarantee your child will ever need or benefit from stored cells.
Can You Preserve Baby Teeth at Home?
Here’s the truth: long-term stem cell preservation requires cryogenic storage in a professional lab, not at home.
Experts at UCLA Health emphasize that teeth must be extracted, handled, and frozen under specific conditions to maintain cell viability. Simply dropping a tooth in a jar or letting it dry out will destroy the stem cells.
That said, if your goal is short-term storage of baby teeth for stem cells before sending to a stem cell bank, or just keeping the tooth as a keepsake, here’s what you can do:
How to Store Baby Teeth for Stem Cells (Short-Term)
✅ Step 1: Let the Tooth Fall Out Naturally
Avoid pulling it out forcefully, it can damage the pulp.
✅ Step 2: Don’t Clean with Harsh Chemicals
Never use bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or boiling water, they destroy stem cells.
✅ Step 3: Keep It Moist
- Best option: A tooth preservation kit for stem cells. (learn more about kits here)
• Temporary: Cold milk or saline solution if no kit is available.
✅ Step 4: Refrigerate, Don’t Freeze
Home freezers can’t achieve the ultra-low temperatures required for stem cell survival. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator instead.
✅ Step 5: Send It Quickly
How long can you store baby teeth at home? No more than 24–48 hours before shipping to a professional stem cell bank.
Why Long-Term Storage at Home Doesn’t Work
Once a tooth dries or stays at room temperature for days, the stem cells die. Professional banking uses liquid nitrogen storage at -150°C or lower, which isn’t possible at home.
Home Storage vs Professional Banking
- Home Storage: Only for keepsakes, not for viable stem cells.
- Professional Banking: Involves cryogenic freezing and costs hundreds annually.
Before you commit:
- Check FDA regulations and ISSCR guidelines.
- Research accredited banks.
- Discuss with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Important Safety and Ethical Considerations
- Experimental Use: Current therapies are mostly in research stages (NCBI, ISSCR).
- No Guarantees: Even with proper storage, future clinical use isn’t certain.
- Avoid False Security: DIY storage will not preserve stem cells long-term.
For credible scientific updates, check NCBI studies on dental stem cells and guidelines from reputable organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
FAQs About Preserving Baby Teeth for Stem Cells
Q1: Can dried baby teeth still have stem cells?
No. Once dry, stem cells are dead. Moisture and quick preservation are critical.
Q2: How long can you store baby teeth at home before sending to a bank?
No more than 24–48 hours in a tooth preservation solution or milk.
Q3: Are tooth preservation kits effective?
They help for short-term storage but do not replace cryogenic freezing (read about kits here).
Final Thoughts
Baby teeth offer an exciting possibility for future medicine, but true stem cell preservation needs professional care, not DIY methods. If you’re considering banking, research accredited providers, understand the cost of banking baby teeth stem cells, and consult your pediatric dentist.
Even if you don’t bank the stem cells, keeping a baby tooth as a keepsake is a sweet tradition.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or dental advice. Always consult with your pediatrician or dentist before making decisions about stem cell banking.
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