Thailand invents crocodile smile

2007-04-21 11:05

Bangkok - A team of Thai scientists had successfully produced false teeth and dental transplants using crocodile eggshells and bones as a raw material, media reports said on Saturday.

Upsorn Boonyang, of the Kasetsart University chemistry department team responsible for the breakthough, said the new technology would save Thailand money on imported hydroxyapatite, the main ingredient used in false teeth in the West, the Bangkok Post reported.

Hydroxyapatite, a component in human hard tissue, particularly bones and teeth, is usually derived from chicken egg shells in developed countries.

The Kasetsart scientists decided to try sourcing it from crocodile egg shells and bones instead, since these were in abundant supply from the kingdom's crocodile farms.

Besides tourist attractions, Thailand's crocodile farms produce crocodile skins and meat which are exported to countries such as China.

"In the future, we could reduce the use of imported products and this means people would find the treatment more affordable," Upsorn told the Bangkok Post.

- SAPA