Toothpaste made from hair may help repair tooth enamel

Researchers at King’s College London have developed a novel method to repair tooth enamel using keratin, a protein naturally found in human hair, skin and wool. Their findings, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, suggest this biomaterial could form the basis of a sustainable and regenerative alternative to conventional dental treatments.

In the study, scientists extracted keratin from wool and applied it to tooth surfaces. When the keratin came into contact with minerals in saliva, it formed a highly organized, crystal-like scaffold that closely mimics the structure and function of natural enamel. Over time, this scaffold promotes the regrowth of an enamel-like protective layer, helping to stop early stages of tooth decay.

Tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of teeth, does not regenerate naturally once it is lost. Erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene and aging can lead to sensitivity, pain and eventual tooth loss. Current dental restorations typically rely on plastic-based materials that are less durable and not biodegradable.

The keratin-based approach presents a potential breakthrough in dental care, offering a biodegradable and biologically compatible alternative that uses waste materials such as hair, according to the study. Researchers said this technology could reduce the need for fillings and other invasive procedures, while also minimizing reliance on synthetic dental materials.

“These findings establish keratin as a clinically viable, sustainable biomaterial for enamel repair, enabling functional regeneration of enamel architecture with a simple, solvent-free fabrication process. Future studies should focus on optimizing keratin’s structural tuning and functionalizing it with additional acidic domains to enhance mineral binding affinity,” the study said. 

Read more: Advanced Healthcare Materials

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