A team of scientists in London may have found a way to fix it. tooth enamel We use an ingredient found in an unexpected place: human hair.
Researchers at King’s College London experimented with applying keratin, the same natural protein found in hair, skin and nails, to teeth. In clinical testing, the system “showed potential to repair early defective tooth enamel lesions and restore both optical appearance and mechanical properties,” potentially offering a future in restoring tooth decay.
As a daily habit, drink acidic drinks Alternatively, neglecting to brush properly can gradually erode enamel, leading to sensitivity and tooth loss, the study explains. Fluoride can only slow the damage, but a new research keratin-based formula completely stopped the damage in lab tests.
Researchers harvested keratin from wool and found that when it was applied to tooth surfaces and exposed to minerals in saliva, it formed crystal-like structures.
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Over time, this structure attracted calcium and phosphate and turned into a durable layer that mimics enamel. Studies have found that by forming a dense mineral layer that seals nerve pathways, keratin protects teeth from further wear and tear, while at the same time relieving sensitivity.
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According to the research team, the regenerated material may protect teeth from further acid wear, and the process may even reverse early cavities.
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What makes this discovery particularly appealing is its potential for sustainability, the researchers say. Keratin can be harvested from hair and wool that would otherwise be discarded, turning waste into valuable health products.
In a press statement, scientists at King’s College London said they envision adding it to daily toothpaste and other uses such as: Treatments applied by dentists It could become a reality within the next few years, but it depends on further testing and commercial development.
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Experts warn that this breakthrough is still in its early stages.
“The thickness of the regenerated enamel is limited and its biocompatibility is questionable,” the study said, adding that “clinical application of this technology is difficult due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.”
This means that questions remain about the “scalability” of the solution across a wide range of applications.
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More research is needed to understand how thick and durable the new enamel layer is and whether it can withstand real-world wear and tear for many years, the researchers said.
Independent dental scientists also point out that laboratory-based enamel regeneration studies often have difficulty matching the complexity of true enamel.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it is damaged, it cannot regenerate naturally. Traditional toothpaste and fluoride treatments only slow the progression of tooth decay or strengthen what remains. If the keratin-based method proves effective in humans, it could be a major step toward true regenerative dentistry, experts say.
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The study was published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
