World health care is moving toward personalized medicine where treatment is customized for each individual, and the use of stem cells is viewed by many, although controversially, as a significant step toward that goal. According to Jeff Johnson, President of BioEDEN, Inc., there is a viable way to achieve our desired results, at least for our children, in a much less controversial manner.

"Most people are aware of two main sources of stem cells: embryonic and cord blood," says Jeff. "However there is a viable third source of cells: primary or 'baby tooth' stem cells can also be useful in finding cures to numerous severe diseases and disabling medical conditions."

Dr. Songtao Shi, Principle Investigator of the Dental Biology Unit at the National Institute of Health identified adult stem cells in primary children's teeth in 2003. Progenitor cells discovered include adiposites, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells. These types of cells are all being investigated for their ability to therapeutically treat many human diseases including heart disease, bone regeneration, and most promisingly neuronal degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injury.

Mr. Johnson's belief that the stem cells found in children's primary teeth are a viable, ethical, and morally non-controversial alternative to the possibilities offered by embryonic stem cells led him to found BioEDEN, Inc. At the forefront of this new technology and registered with the FDA, BioEDEN is the first tooth cell bank in the world to offer cellular isolation and storage services for these valuable tooth cells.

"BioEDEN is not a public cell bank," he continues. "It is critical that the cells be extracted quickly after the tooth falls out, and there are only 12 teeth that can be used for this process - not every tooth contains cells with this potential...We isolate and store tooth cells, and return them to the original donor if they are ever needed. This way you don't have to worry about communicable diseases, tissue rejection, or immunosuppressive therapy. Our autologous banking system will contribute to successful therapies where it is imperative that the source of the stem cells be compatible with the recipient." BioEDEN leads the industry in offering a complete guarantee when it comes to compatibility.

Time is of the essence. "There are only twelve teeth that contain these promising cells, and cell viability - determined by when a tooth is expelled - reduces the longer a loose tooth remains in the mouth, says Mr. Johnson. "A tooth collected shortly after it becomes loose is most viable, and it is critical that we receive a tooth quickly after it falls out."

Jeff continues saying, "At less than 1/3 the cost of cord blood storage, banking a child's primary tooth stem cells not only provides a guaranteed matching donor for life, it is simple and painless for both the child and parent, and it preserves the cells before natural damage occurs."

It is a new world, and this technology could very well make the difference in the future of your child's health. As with any medical advice, consult your physician and educate yourself on every facet. With the short window of opportunity one has to collect their child's primary teeth, you don't want to wait. It is a good idea to educate yourself and make a decision now.