Yes, some parents choose to save their baby’s lost teeth for sentimental reasons or even potential future medical use. Here’s why:
Why Parents Keep Baby Teeth
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Sentimental Value – Many parents keep teeth as a memory of their child’s early years, like saving locks of hair.
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Stem Cell Potential – Some research suggests baby teeth contain dental pulp stem cells, which could (theoretically) be used in regenerative medicine (e.g., tissue repair, nerve regeneration). However, this requires proper storage (cryopreservation in a lab, not just at home).
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Tradition & Superstition – Some cultures have traditions around baby teeth (e.g., the Tooth Fairy, making keepsakes, or even folklore about protection).
Can Baby Teeth Really Be Used in the Future?
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Stem Cell Banking: Companies like StemSave and Store-A-Tooth offer services to preserve teeth for potential stem cell extraction (costs involved).
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No Guarantees: While research is ongoing, there’s no proven medical use yet for stored baby teeth unless professionally preserved.
How to Store Baby Teeth (If Keeping Them)
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For Sentiment: Clean with hydrogen peroxide, dry, and keep in a small box or memory book.
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For Potential Medical Use: Contact a stem cell bank before the tooth falls out to arrange proper preservation.
Would you like info on how to clean/store teeth safely at home? 😊
