Translated with AI
Toothpaste made from human hair could help restore and protect damaged teeth, according to scientists from King's College London (KCL), the BBC reports.
They found that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and fur, can restore tooth enamel and prevent early stages of tooth decay.
Research has shown that keratin forms a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel when in contact with minerals in saliva.
“Keratin offers a revolutionary alternative to existing dental treatments,” says Sarah Gamea, a research fellow at KCL and first author of the study.
"This technology blurs the lines between biology and dentistry, offering an environmentally friendly biomaterial that mimics natural processes," the scientist continues.
“Not only is it made from eco-friendly bio-waste such as hair and skin, but it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable,” explains Sarah Gamea.
In a study published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, a team of KCL scientists extracted keratin from wool.
They found that when keratin was applied to the tooth surface and brought into contact with minerals naturally present in saliva, it formed a high-quality crystal-like framework that mimicked the structure and function of natural enamel.
Over time, this framework continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, resulting in the formation of an enamel-like protective layer around the tooth, the researchers say.
Highly acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, and the natural aging process contribute to enamel erosion and breakdown, leading to tooth sensitivity, pain, and ultimately tooth loss.
"Unlike bone and hair, enamel does not regenerate; once it's lost, it's gone forever," explains Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, Senior Consultant in Prosthodontics at KCL.
"We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology allows us not only to treat symptoms but also to restore biological functions using the body's own materials," says Elsharkawy. "With continued advancements and the right partnerships with industry, we will soon be able to achieve stronger, healthier smiles with just one simple haircut."
