In an exciting breakthrough that could revolutionise how we protect and repair our teeth, scientists at King's College London have discovered that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool, can naturally repair tooth enamel. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and highly effective alternative to traditional dental treatments, with the potential to transform what was once considered biological waste into a valuable clinical resource.
Enamel, the hard outer layer of our teeth, is critical for protection but does not regenerate on its own. It is constantly under attack from acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, and the natural ageing process. While fluoride toothpastes can help slow this erosion, the King's College team found that keratin-based treatments could stop it completely.
How It Works
The research, detailed in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, shows that when keratin is applied to the tooth surface, it interacts with minerals in saliva to form a protective coating. This coating mimics the natural structure of enamel, creating a highly organised, crystal-like scaffold. Over time, this scaffold attracts calcium and phosphate ions, leading to the growth of a dense, enamel-like layer that protects the tooth and seals exposed nerve channels, offering relief from sensitivity.
The lead researcher, Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, a consultant in prosthodontics at King's College London, emphasises that this technology moves beyond simply treating symptoms. Instead, it uses a biological material to restore the tooth's natural function. The team extracted the keratin from wool for their study, highlighting the potential for this treatment to be sourced from widely available biological waste.
Sustainable and Practical
This discovery addresses growing concerns about the sustainability of healthcare materials. Unlike traditional dental resins, which are often made from plastics and can be toxic, keratin is a naturally sourced biomaterial. Its use aligns with the global push for circular, waste-to-health innovations.
The potential applications are wide-ranging and practical. The treatment could be incorporated into a daily-use toothpaste or developed into a professionally applied gel, similar to a nail varnish, for more targeted repair. Researchers are currently exploring how to bring this technology to market, with the hope that it could be available to the public within the next few years.
Dental Nursing and Oral Health Education
This innovation presents a fascinating future for dental professionals. Picture a dental nurse applying a keratin gel to a patient's teeth or oral health educators teaching patients how to use a new keratin-based toothpaste. It's an exciting time where biotechnology and dentistry are merging to create stronger, healthier smiles.
Reference
King's College London (2024). Toothpaste made from hair provides natural root to repair teeth. [online] Available at: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/toothpaste-made-from-hair-provides-natural-root-to-repair-teeth [Accessed 20 Aug. 2025].