Toothpaste from Hair: Keratin Treatment to Repair Damaged Tooth Enamel

Keratin-Based Dental Treatment

• 💡 Researchers in London have developed a novel dental treatment using keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool.
• 🎯 This keratin-based solution aims to repair damaged tooth enamel, which currently cannot regenerate itself once lost.

How Keratin Works

• 🔬 Dr. Sharif Al-Shakawi from King's College London explains that keratin interacts with saliva to form a protective coating that mimics natural tooth enamel.
• ✅ The coating can infiltrate early decay, protect enamel from erosion caused by acidic foods, poor hygiene, or aging, and rebuild lost enamel.
• ⚡ The keratin coating can also reduce sensitivity and reinforce the enamel structure.

Sustainable Sourcing and Future Prospects

• ♻️ Unlike conventional dental resins, keratin can be sustainably sourced from biological waste such as wool or human hair.
• 📈 While further clinical trials are needed for long-term efficacy and scalability, the research team is in discussions with industry partners.
• 📅 Keratin-based dental products like toothpastes and gels could be available to consumers within 2 to 3 years.

Global Oral Health Challenge

• 🌍 Oral diseases represent a significant global health challenge, affecting approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide according to the WHO.
• 💬 The development of accessible and affordable treatments like this keratin-based solution is crucial for improving global oral health.