Toothpaste Made from Hair Could Help Repair Teeth, Say Scientists
- Details
- Published: Monday, 18 August 2025 10:52
- Written by News Editor
- Hits: 867
Researchers at King‘s College London have developed a groundbreaking toothpaste made from keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool, that could repair damaged tooth enamel and prevent decay.
The team discovered that when keratin interacts with minerals in saliva, it forms a crystal-like layer that mimics natural enamel. Over time, this layer attracts calcium and phosphate ions, helping rebuild a protective coating around the tooth.
“Keratin offers a transformative alternative to current dental treatments,” said Sara Gamea, lead author of the study. “It’s eco-friendly, sustainable, and avoids the use of toxic plastic resins.”
She added: "This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry, providing an eco-friendly biomaterial that mirrors natural processes.
"Not only is it sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable."
In their study, published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, the scientists extracted keratin from wool.
The keratin used in the study was extracted from wool, but the researchers say it could also be sourced from human hair—making it a biological waste material turned dental solution.
Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author and prosthodontics consultant, added:
“Enamel doesn’t regenerate naturally. This technology could allow us to restore teeth using the body’s own materials.”
With further development and industry support, this innovative toothpaste could be available within two years, potentially changing how we care for our teeth—starting with something as simple as a haircut.
Image credit: Kings College, London
You need to be logged in to leave comments.
Report
My comments