It appears that toothpaste made from hair could repair teeth. Researchers from London's King's College have revealed more in a new clinical study...

A new study conducted by scientists at King's College London has found that keratin can repair tooth enamel and halt the early stages of decay.

The research, which was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, reveals that keratin - a protein found in hair and skin - can form a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel when it interacts with minerals in saliva.

Ageing, poor oral hygiene, and the consumption of acidic foods and drinks all contribute to enamel erosion and decay, leading to symptoms such as sensitivity, pain, and eventually tooth loss. As enamel cannot regenerate, its loss is permanent.

While fluoride toothpastes can slow down enamel degradation, the researchers discovered that keratin-based treatments could stop it entirely. By forming a mineral layer over the tooth, keratin protects exposed nerves and prevents sensitivity.

For the study, the team extracted keratin from wool. They found that when keratin comes into contact with minerals 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," the researchers explained.

The team is now exploring clinical applications, suggesting that the treatment could be delivered via a daily-use toothpaste or as a gel - similar to a nail polish for teeth - for targeted repair.

Keratin-based oral care products could be available to consumers within the next two to three years.

Dr Sara Gamea, first author of the study and researcher at King's College London, emphasised the sustainability aspect of the innovation.

"Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments. Not only is it sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable," she said.

"Keratin also looks much more natural than these treatments, as it can more closely match the colour of the original tooth."

Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author and consultant in prosthodontics at King's College London, added that "We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology allows us not just to treat symptoms, but to restore biological function using the body's own materials."