Scientists at King’s College London have made a breakthrough in dental care by exploring the use of keratin, a protein found in human hair, skin, and nails, to repair damaged tooth enamel and prevent cavities. The study, published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, suggests that keratin could be used to regenerate early dental enamel lesions, mimicking the structure of natural enamel and potentially offering a new method to reverse cavities.
In lab tests, researchers found that keratin forms a crystal-like structure when applied to the tooth surface and exposed to minerals in saliva. This structure attracts calcium and phosphate, turning them into a durable layer that strengthens the enamel. By sealing nerve pathways, this new enamel layer protects teeth from acid wear and relieves sensitivity at the same time. The potential use of keratin in everyday oral care products like toothpaste or dentist-applied treatments is being considered, pending further testing and commercial development.
The discovery has raised interest in its sustainability, as keratin can be harvested from discarded hair or wool, turning waste into a valuable health product. However, experts caution that this breakthrough is still in its early stages. The study notes that only limited enamel thickness was regenerated, and the process has questionable biocompatibility. While this could mark a major step toward regenerative dentistry, more research is needed to ensure the method’s scalability and long-term durability.