Scientists in London have discovered that human hair could be the key to repairing tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Researchers at King’s College London have been experimenting with keratin, the natural protein found in hair, skin, and nails, and have found that it may be used to repair tooth enamel. The study shows that the keratin-based formula has the potential to reverse early dental decay and offer a sustainable solution for dental care.
The research team from King’s College London conducted experiments on teeth, using keratin to create a crystal-like structure on the surface of the tooth. This structure attracted minerals in saliva and formed a durable layer that mimics enamel. This layer protects teeth from further wear and relieves sensitivity by sealing nerve pathways. The process may even be able to reverse early decay.
Experts caution that this breakthrough is still in its early stages and more research is needed to understand how effective and scalable the solution will be. While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledge that the regeneration of enamel is still limited and may not be able to fully replace the natural enamel in the long term. The study has been published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.