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Health

Anti-ageing drug rejuvenates the mouths and oral microbiome of mice

By Michael Le Page

16 December 2019

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

The bones around mouse teeth like this one were rejuvenated by anti-ageing drugs

STEVE GSCHMEISSNER / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

A transplant drug with anti‑ageing properties has been shown to rejuvenate the oral health of old mice. The drug, called rapamycin, regenerated the bone in which teeth are embedded, restored the mouth microbiome to a youthful state and reduced inflammation.

It is the first time any treatment has been shown to rejuvenate oral health, says team leader Matt Kaeberlein at the University of Washington in Seattle. “We could actually see spots where new bone was growing around the teeth.”

Two-thirds…

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