By Harshit
London, UK | November 11, 2025 | 09:45 AM GMT
A revolutionary discovery from King’s College London could transform the future of dental care — using the same protein that gives strength to hair and nails to repair teeth and stop decay.
Researchers have found that keratin, a natural protein found in hair, skin, and wool, can regenerate enamel — the tooth’s hard, protective surface — and completely halt the early stages of tooth decay. The finding opens the door to fluoride-free, sustainable toothpaste capable of rebuilding damaged enamel and protecting teeth more naturally and effectively than ever before.
Keratin: The Body’s Hidden Tooth Protector
Published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the study revealed that when keratin interacts with the minerals found in saliva, it creates a microscopic layer that replicates the structure and strength of natural enamel. This biomimetic coating acts as both armor and repair material, preventing erosion while reversing damage caused by acids and bacteria.
Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author and consultant in prosthodontics at King’s College London, explained:
“Unlike bones or hair, tooth enamel does not regenerate — once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. But our research shows that keratin can help rebuild enamel-like material naturally, offering a powerful new tool for preventive and restorative dentistry.”
Beyond Fluoride: A Step Forward in Tooth Regeneration
Tooth enamel erosion is a widespread issue caused by acidic drinks, poor oral hygiene, and aging. Over time, it leads to sensitivity, cavities, and tooth loss. While fluoride toothpaste helps strengthen enamel and slow decay, it cannot rebuild lost enamel — a limitation keratin overcomes.
In laboratory experiments, teeth treated with keratin showed complete protection from erosion and cavities, while untreated samples continued to deteriorate.
Keratin molecules form a dense, mineralized barrier over the tooth surface that blocks microchannels leading to nerves — the same pathways that cause tooth sensitivity. The result is not only protection from future damage but also instant relief from pain and sensitivity.
The researchers envision this innovation as both a daily-use toothpaste and a professional dental gel similar to protective varnishes applied in clinics.
“We could see keratin-based toothpaste and enamel repair products on store shelves within two to three years,” the team said.
How Hair Helps Teeth Heal Themselves
In the experiment, keratin was extracted from wool, chosen for its purity and biocompatibility. When applied to damaged teeth and exposed to saliva, the keratin molecules self-organized into a crystalline pattern almost identical to natural enamel.
This microscopic scaffold then began to attract calcium and phosphate ions, minerals essential for strong teeth. Over time, it developed into a fully integrated, enamel-like layer capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Dr. Sara Gamea, a PhD researcher and lead author, described the breakthrough:
“Keratin works as nature’s building block. It not only restores enamel but also integrates seamlessly with the existing tooth structure. This marks a new era in regenerative dentistry — where instead of patching damage, we help the body rebuild itself.”
Eco-Friendly Dentistry: From Hair to Healing
Beyond its biological benefits, keratin offers a sustainable alternative to conventional dental materials. Traditional fillings and resins often rely on plastics and synthetic polymers, which can be toxic, non-biodegradable, and environmentally harmful.
Keratin, however, can be sourced from recycled biological waste — such as human hair or animal wool — making it an eco-conscious solution for dental care.
“Keratin eliminates the need for synthetic resins and reduces dependency on fluoride,” Gamea explained. “It’s biodegradable, safe, and visually natural, allowing for better color-matching in restorations.”
The approach aligns with growing concerns about the environmental footprint of dentistry, particularly the overuse of non-renewable materials and the potential side effects of prolonged fluoride exposure.
A Future Where Smiles Heal Themselves
Dr. Elsharkawy emphasized that this discovery reflects a broader shift in medical science — using biotechnology to restore natural function instead of merely treating symptoms.
“We are entering an era where we can restore biological structures using materials derived from the body itself,” he said. “With the right support and partnerships, we could see hair-derived dental treatments available to patients in just a few years. Imagine rebuilding a smile using something as natural and renewable as a haircut.”
The researchers plan to collaborate with dental product manufacturers to bring keratin-based pastes and coatings to clinical trials.
The work was funded by the Wellcome Trust Seed Award, King’s College London, the Academy of Medical Sciences, and the National Institute of Health Research.
A New Chapter in Regenerative Dentistry
If successful, keratin-based enamel regeneration could mark the end of fluoride dominance in oral care and usher in a new generation of biotech-based dental products.
Instead of merely shielding teeth from decay, future toothpaste formulations might help them heal themselves naturally — strengthening smiles sustainably, one brush at a time.