Scientists believe they have found a way to grow teeth in the laboratory. The team have located the gene responsible for the growth of enamel, which cannot grow back naturally, and suggest that their discovery could put an end to fillings and dentures.

Using experiments in mice, the work at Oregon State University has found that the gene, a 'transcription factor' called Ctip2, has several functions involving immune responses and the development of skin and nerves. The team made the link with enamel by studying mice bred to lack Ctip2. The scientists found that Ctip2 was crucial for the enamel-producing cells, ameloblasts, to form and work properly. Other scientists are already growing the inner parts of teeth in animals - but they have no hard enamel coatings.

Dr Chrissa Kioussi, lead researcher said, 'Controlling the gene in conjunction with stem-cell technology could make the artificial creation of functional teeth a real possibility, or the knowledge could be used to strengthen existing enamel and repair damaged enamel, cutting decay and the need for fillings.'