Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Protein Toothpaste Made From Hair to Repair Tooth Enamel
Imagine your teeth have tiny holes and are losing their protective coating, enamel.
Scientists have created a special toothpaste using a protein called keratin, found in things like hair.
This toothpaste helps rebuild the enamel by attracting minerals and forming a new, strong layer, like the original.
It could also help with sensitive teeth and is made from a sustainable source.
It's designed to combat tooth decay, which is becoming a bigger problem because of certain foods and drinks.
They hope to have this toothpaste available soon, making it easier for everyone to keep their teeth healthy.
Researchers developed a keratin-based toothpaste to repair and restore tooth enamel.
The toothpaste uses keratin extracted from wool to form a protective coating on teeth.
It interacts with saliva to create a crystal-like scaffold, mimicking natural enamel.
The treatment aims to address tooth erosion, which is increasing due to diet.
The keratin-based products could be available within two to three years.
- Who
- Researchers at King's College London
- What
- Researchers developed a keratin-based toothpaste to repair tooth enamel.
- When
- The research findings were published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
- Where
- King's College London
- Why
- To address tooth erosion and provide a sustainable and effective solution for tooth decay.
- Main Component
- Keratin (from wool)
- Purpose
- Repair and restore tooth enamel
- Mechanism
- Forms crystal-like scaffold to mimic natural enamel
- Potential Availability
- 2-3 years
- Benefit
- Reduce tooth sensitivity