Researchers at King’s College London have discovered a groundbreaking approach that utilizes a common protein found in hair to potentially regenerate tooth enamel. This innovative technique could pave the way for more effective dental care, addressing the growing issue of dental decay that affects approximately 2 billion people worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 report.
Tooth enamel, unlike bone, does not regenerate when lost. As a result, erosion caused by diet, poor oral hygiene, or aging can expose the softer dentin beneath. This leads to weakened teeth, persistent pain, and in severe cases, tooth loss and jawbone deterioration. While products such as fluoride treatments can slow enamel erosion, they do not reverse it. Traditional resin materials used to combat decay often lack effectiveness and sustainability.
The research team extracted keratin from sheep wool and combined it with artificial saliva. This process allowed the keratin to pull essential minerals from the saliva, assembling itself into a structure similar to tooth enamel. The resulting material demonstrated properties akin to natural enamel, effectively filling in cavities and providing protective benefits.
Innovative Solutions for Dental Decay
The researchers enhanced the keratin mixture by combining different types of keratin and proteins to achieve superior strength and durability. They created a hierarchical structure that improved resistance to various forms of degradation. This advancement addresses previous limitations faced by similar methods, such as bioavailability and scalability.
Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, an odontologist and the study’s senior author, expressed enthusiasm for the potential impact of this research. “We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology allows us to not just treat symptoms but restore biological function using the body’s own materials,” he stated. With continued development and strategic partnerships, the team anticipates that keratin-based enamel boosters could be available within the next two to three years.
Potential products may include daily toothpaste or clinically applied gels that resemble nail polish. This innovation could revolutionize dental visits, providing patients with the opportunity to enhance their smiles through a simple procedure.
Creating a Sustainable Future
Beyond individual benefits, this research may contribute to a more sustainable dental industry by promoting a circular economy through “waste-to-health innovation.” Utilizing materials typically discarded, the study offers a path to transform waste into essential healthcare resources.
The findings from this research are published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials. As scientists continue to explore the capabilities of keratin in dental applications, the prospect of healthier smiles could soon be just a haircut away.
