Scientists in London have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize dental care by using human hair to repair damaged tooth enamel and prevent cavities. The research, conducted by a team at King’s College London, focuses on the use of keratin, a protein naturally found in human hair, skin, and nails. Through laboratory experiments, the scientists have found that keratin can effectively repair early defective dental enamel lesions, restoring both the appearance and mechanical properties of the enamel.
The study reveals that keratin forms a crystal-like structure when applied to a tooth surface and exposed to minerals in saliva. This structure then attracts calcium and phosphate, which are converted into a durable layer that mimics natural enamel. This new layer not only seals the nerve pathways, protecting the tooth from further wear but also alleviates sensitivity simultaneously. The potential of this discovery lies in its ability to stop the erosion of enamel caused by daily habits like consuming acidic drinks or insufficient brushing, which are known to lead to sensitivity and tooth loss.
While fluoride is commonly used to mitigate enamel damage, the keratin-based formula has demonstrated the ability to stop the erosion entirely in lab tests. The researchers have also highlighted the sustainability of this innovation, as keratin can be sourced from waste materials such as hair or wool, transforming them into a valuable health product. This could be incorporated into everyday toothpaste or used in dentist-applied treatments in the near future, pending further testing and commercial development.
Despite the promising results, experts caution that the technique is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to determine its scalability for widespread use. Some concerns include the limited thickness of enamel regeneration and the challenges related to the fabrication process. The study, published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, suggests that this could mark a significant step toward truly regenerative dentistry if the keratin-based method proves effective in real-world applications.