While modern dentistry offers a range of good-enough approaches to damaged teeth, regeneration of lost enamel remains a much desired capability. Here, researchers show that the application of keratin to damaged tooth enamel provokes the formation of an enamel-like replacement structure. This is quite interesting, and simple enough in implementation that it could emerge as a widespread option in the near future.
Scientists discovered that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin and wool, can repair tooth enamel and stop early stages of decay. Keratin forms a dense mineral layer that protects the tooth and seals off exposed nerve channels that cause sensitivity, offering both structural and symptomatic relief. The treatment could be delivered through a toothpaste for daily use or as a professionally applied gel, similar to nail varnish, for more targeted repair. The team is already exploring pathways for clinical application and believes that keratin-based enamel regeneration could be made available to the public within the next two to three years.
In their study, the scientists extracted keratin from wool. They discovered that when keratin is applied to the tooth surface and comes into contact with the minerals naturally present in saliva, it forms a highly organised, crystal-like scaffold that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel. Over time, this scaffold continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, leading to the growth of a protective enamel-like coating around the tooth. This marks a significant step forward in regenerative dentistry.
Link: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/toothpaste-made-from-hair-provides-natural-root-to-repair-teeth
View the full article at FightAging
