A brand new examine performed by scientists at King’s Faculty London has discovered that keratin can restore tooth enamel and halt the early phases of decay.
The analysis, which was revealed in Superior Healthcare Supplies, reveals that keratin – a protein present in hair and pores and skin – can type a protecting coating that mimics the construction and performance of pure enamel when it interacts with minerals in saliva.
Ageing, poor oral hygiene, and the consumption of acidic meals and drinks all contribute to enamel erosion and decay, resulting in signs corresponding to sensitivity, ache, and ultimately tooth loss. As enamel can not regenerate, its loss is everlasting.
Keratin’s function in enamel regeneration
Whereas fluoride toothpastes can decelerate enamel degradation, the researchers found that keratin-based therapies may cease it fully. By forming a mineral layer over the tooth, keratin protects uncovered nerves and prevents sensitivity.
For the examine, the group extracted keratin from wool. They discovered that when keratin comes into contact with minerals in saliva, it kinds a “extremely organised, crystal-like scaffold that mimics the construction and performance of pure enamel.”
Over time, “this scaffold continues to draw calcium and phosphate ions, resulting in the expansion of a protecting enamel-like coating across the tooth,” the researchers defined.
Sustainable purposes in oral care
The group is now exploring medical purposes, suggesting that the remedy may very well be delivered through a daily-use toothpaste or as a gel – just like a nail polish for enamel – for focused restore.
Keratin-based oral care merchandise may very well be accessible to customers throughout the subsequent two to a few years.
Dr Sara Gamea, first writer of the examine and researcher at King’s Faculty London, emphasised the sustainability facet of the innovation.
“Keratin presents a transformative different to present dental therapies. Not solely is it sustainably sourced from organic waste supplies like hair and pores and skin, it additionally eliminates the necessity for conventional plastic resins, generally utilized in restorative dentistry, that are poisonous and fewer sturdy,” she stated.
“Keratin additionally seems far more pure than these therapies, as it will possibly extra intently match the color of the unique tooth.”
Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, senior writer and marketing consultant in prosthodontics at King’s Faculty London, added that “We’re getting into an thrilling period the place biotechnology permits us not simply to deal with signs, however to revive organic operate utilizing the physique’s personal supplies.”
