In an intriguing revolution for oral health, researchers at King’s College London have created an innovative toothpaste from an unlikely molecule… keratin, the very protein found in hair, wool, and skin. The concept not only ensures protection, but proposes the ability to actively repair tooth enamel – something formally confirmed to be non-regenerative.
“Unlike bones and hair, enamel does not regenerate, once it is lost, it’s gone forever” states Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author, and consultant in prosthodontics at King’s College London.
In the study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the team of scientists reported that, when applied to teeth, keratin interacts with naturally occurring minerals in saliva to form a crystal-like scaffold that quite literally mirrors the structure and function of natural enamel. The keratin offers pain relief by essentially shielding the exposed nerve channels, protecting the tooth with a mineral layer.
One of the most remarkable features of the innovation regards sustainability. The keratin, sourced from natural biological waste such as skin and hair, promotes an eco-friendly solution. Dr Sara Gamea, initial author of the study as PhD researcher at King’s College London, explained that “Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments.” The team have ambitions of delivering the treatment through everyday toothpastes or specialist, localised gels, with estimated commercial availability of two to three years – a hugely pioneering movement towards the future of dental care.
Furthermore, the requirement for toxic, nondurable plastic resins – commonly used in current restorative dentistry – is eliminated entirely. As explained by Dr Gamea, the incorporation of keratin also offers aesthetic advantages, looking “much more natural than these treatments, as it can more closely match the colour of the original tooth.”
Moreover, as concerns continue to grow about the long-term effects of fluoride use and the environmental detriment of synthetic dental materials, keratin proffers a revolutionary, regenerative, and sustainable solution for the future of the field.
“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… With further development and the right industry partnerships, we may soon be growing stronger, healthier smiles from something as simple as a haircut” anticipates Dr Elsharkawy.
Worldwide, enamel erosion affects millions, due to factors such as poor oral hygiene, acidic diets, certain lifestyles, and more. King’s College’s hair-derived keratin dental solution marks a pivotal milestone for the future of dental care – a product that not only pauses the damage, but actively rebuilds enamel is revolutionary.
>Since you’re here, why not read about a study that found obstructive sleep apnoea to be worse at weekends?
Main Image Credit: Unsplash
