Researchers at King’s College London have discovered that keratin — the same protein found in human hair and skin — can repair and protect tooth enamel, potentially ending tooth sensitivity and decay.
The team found that when keratin interacts with minerals in saliva, it forms a mineralised coating that mimics natural enamel. This layer halts decay, restores strength, and outperforms fluoride, the long-standing standard in dental care.
The innovation could soon appear in toothpastes or dental gels. Made from sustainable sources such as hair, the material offers an eco-friendly alternative that turns waste into a powerful tool for oral regeneration.
A New Approach to Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, one of the world’s most common diseases, results from enamel erosion caused by acidic drinks, sugar, and poor hygiene. Once damaged, enamel cannot regenerate naturally, leaving teeth vulnerable to sensitivity and pain.
While fluoride helps slow this process, the keratin-based formula in laboratory tests went further — completely preventing enamel erosion.
How Keratin Works
Keratin forms a dense, mineralised shield on the tooth surface, blocking microscopic channels that cause sensitivity. The researchers extracted keratin from wool and applied it to tooth samples. When exposed to saliva’s natural minerals, the protein self-organised into a crystal-like structure that replicated the strength and composition of real enamel.
Over time, this framework attracted calcium and phosphate ions, gradually building a durable, enamel-like layer. The process marks a major advance in regenerative dentistry — a shift from merely protecting teeth to actively rebuilding them.
Towards Next-Generation Dental Products
The King’s College team envisions keratin being used in two ways: as a daily-use toothpaste or as a professional gel applied by dentists, similar to nail varnish. If development continues as planned, the products could reach consumers within two to three years.
A Sustainable Alternative
Beyond oral health, the research addresses environmental concerns. Keratin can be sourced sustainably from biological waste like hair or wool, reducing reliance on synthetic plastics and fluoride-based compounds. The result is a safer, more durable, and eco-conscious material for dental care.
The study, titled “Biomimetic Mineralization of Keratin Scaffolds for Enamel Regeneration,” was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials.
If successful in human trials, keratin-based toothpaste could transform dentistry — repairing enamel, relieving tooth sensitivity, and turning waste into renewal.