Hair-derived toothpaste outperforms fluoride, scientists report

Hair-based toothpaste shows promise in repairing enamel, outperforming fluoride with sustainable benefits.

: Researchers have developed a toothpaste made from keratin, a natural protein found in hair and skin, which can repair and protect tooth enamel better than fluoride. This innovative approach involves keratin forming a protective coating on teeth when it interacts with saliva, mimicking natural enamel and potentially reversing enamel erosion. Unlike traditional treatments, this method is sustainable, avoiding toxic plastic resins typically used in dental care. The study promises commercialization within two to three years, marking advancements in regenerative dentistry and environmental sustainability.

Scientists at King's College London have discovered that keratin, a protein abundant in hair, skin, and wool, can be the basis for a new toothpaste that repairs tooth enamel. This innovation is not only an environmental boon by using biodegradable, waste-derived materials, but it could also revolutionize dental care by surpassing the capabilities of fluoride, which cannot repair enamel once lost. Keratin's ability to form a protective barrier when combined with saliva mimics the natural enamel on teeth, thereby stopping and reversing damage, according to a recent study published in Advanced Materials.

The research team, led by Sherif Elsharkawy, found that keratin forms a dense, crystal-like scaffold that resembles the original structure and function of enamel. This structure supports the attraction and growth of calcium and phosphate ions, gradually building an enamel-like coating that seals exposed nerves. The implications for patients suffering from enamel erosion are significant, as it suggests a method to restore tooth integrity and promote oral health through a natural, non-toxic process.

Sara Gamea, the first author of the study, highlights the environmental advantage of this biotechnological approach, which steers clear of the plastic resins used in conventional dentistry. The protein is harvested sustainably from human hair and other biological sources, bringing both economic and ecological benefits. Keratin's regenerative properties point towards a future where dental treatment not only addresses symptoms but restores proper biological function.

Consumers could see keratin-infused toothpaste on store shelves within two to three years, awaiting final developments and industry partnership collaborations. This innovation reflects a broader trend in biotechnology towards using the body's natural materials for health restoration, marking a significant shift in dental care philosophy. As Elsharkawy notes, this represents an exciting era where biotechnology can effectively harness natural substances to improve human health sustainably.

X and images from the study emphasize the potential of keratin-based products to address widespread dental issues sustainably and efficiently. Industry observers are keen to see how such innovations will reshape the market and influence consumer habits, given global trends towards sustainability and health improvement.

This development raises intriguing questions about the long-term effects of such treatments and how they might integrate with existing dental care routines. Further clinical studies are expected to explore keratin's efficacy in diverse populations and oral conditions, ensuring its safety and effectiveness as it moves towards market readiness. As the dental industry navigates these advancements, this study underscores the potential for combining scientific innovation with sustainable practices to achieve significant health benefits.

With the prospect of abundant, in-house resources like hair providing substantive health improvements, this research may inspire further explorations into other waste-derived applications in medicine and beyond. As showcased in the study, keratin-based toothpaste brings the potential of cutting-edge science into practical consumer products, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future in oral health care.

Sources: King's College London, Gizmodo, Advanced Materials

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