The secret to replacing teeth dozens of times in crocodiles

American crocodiles can change teeth up to 50 times throughout their lives and each time they have 80 teeth in their mouths. Researchers hope to find a way to replicate such teething processes in humans.

Most vertebrates can replace teeth throughout life. However, the natural tooth replacement process in humans occurs only once despite the prolonged presence of a tissue called the follicle , which is very important for teething.

An American crocodile can grow 2,000 - 3,000 teeth throughout life. (Photo: Daily Mail)

To learn about the chemical mechanisms of tooth replacement, Professor Cheng-Ming Chuong and colleagues from Southern California University (USA) have studied repeated tooth formation in crocodiles. Americas.

American crocodiles have well-organized teeth with characteristics similar to those of mammals, such as secondary palate and root teeth. In addition, they have the ability to change teeth many times throughout life.

Statistics show that a crocodile can change teeth up to 50 times and each grow an average of 80 teeth in the mouth. Therefore, in total, this giant reptile must grow to 2,000 - 3,000 teeth throughout life.

Through molecular analysis and scanning techniques, the team found that every crocodile's tooth is a complex of three components in different stages of development. These ingredients are structured to support replacement every time the tooth falls out.

According to the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , initially on crocodile leaf follicles formed a bulge in the head, containing stem cells. The results of molecular analysis revealed, the beginning of the tooth cycle corresponds to the functional manifestation of a series of chemicals that act as signaling.

Professor Chuong believes: "Understanding how these signaling molecules interact in the development of crocodile teeth can help us know how to stimulate adult teeth growth in mammals."

The researcher said his findings and his colleagues could be helpful for dental treatment in adults with tooth loss or too many teeth.