Stem Cells From Teeth Might Help Save Your Child's Life

An Edinburgh mum has been saving her kids' teeth in a bid to harvest stem cells from them.

Published 11th Feb 2016

"Don't leave that tooth under the pillow because it might save your child's life" says Edinburgh mum Victoria Coates.

She has been saving her kids' teeth in a bid to harvest stem cells from them.

Our reporter Shiona McCallum has the story:

New research has shown that parents are prioritising their childrenā€™s educational and financial future over their medical futures.

The study of 2,000 UK adults found that 41% place their childā€™s education as a top priority, compared to 20% who ranked financial future most important and a mere 14% who prioritised their medical future; whether thatā€™s investing in life insurance or considering alternative healthcare options such as private healthcare or stem cell storage.

The research found that over a third (39%) grew up without medical health insurance as they felt confident in the NHS.

However, with the NHS under more pressure and scrutiny than ever, the research found a shift in perception, with over a quarter (26%) worried about access to medicine in the future and over 55s worrying the most (30%).

A fifth (21%) would consider paying for healthcare rather than relying on the NHS.

Despite this, only 12% would actually know where to turn to better prepare for their familyā€™s medical future.

Almost half (43%) are anticipating that new medical cures will soon become available and tooth stem cell therapies and treatments are one of the latest developments.

However, it seems that many arenā€™t aware that these options exist: 95% donā€™t know that there is a use for teeth once they fall out and 17% throw away their childrenā€™s milk teeth rather than putting them towards their medical future.