Keratin toothpaste breakthrough may repair tooth enamel and stop early decay
Researchers at King’s College London have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: hair keratin could be used in toothpaste to repair tooth enamel and halt early decay. Their study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, shows how keratin—a natural protein found in hair, skin, and wool—can form a protective enamel-like coating on teeth.
Tooth enamel, unlike hair or bone, cannot regenerate once damaged. This has made dental decay one of the most persistent global health challenges. But the keratin innovation could change that.
How keratin repairs teeth
Illustration from King’s College London
Scientists found that when keratin extracted from wool is applied to teeth and interacts with minerals in saliva, it creates a crystal-like scaffold that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel. Over time, this scaffold attracts calcium and phosphate ions, strengthening teeth and forming a durable enamel-like layer.
The treatment could be delivered either as a daily toothpaste or a professional gel application, with potential availability to the public within two to three years.
A sustainable, biocompatible solution
“Biotechnology now allows us not just to treat symptoms but to restore biological function using the body’s own materials,” explained Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, prosthodontics consultant and senior author of the study. “With further development and industry support, we may soon be growing stronger, healthier smiles from something as simple as a haircut.”
First author Sara Gamea, PhD researcher at King’s, emphasized that keratin is a sustainable and biodegradable alternative. Unlike plastic resins used in traditional fillings, keratin is non-toxic, longer-lasting, and naturally matches tooth color.
Why this matters for dental health
With growing concerns over the environmental impact of dental materials and long-term fluoride use, keratin-based toothpaste could provide a safe, eco-friendly, and circular economy solution—turning biological waste like hair and wool into a resource that restores oral health.
If successful, keratin toothpaste may mark the beginning of a new era in regenerative dentistry, where repairing enamel and preventing cavities becomes as routine as brushing your teeth.
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