Toothpaste made from human hair protein could stop decay and rebuild tooth enamel
Toothpaste made from human hair could soon join the toolkit for dental care, offering both sustainability and clinical benefits.
Researchers at King’s College London say keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool, can restore enamel and stop early decay.
Their work comes amid growing concerns over tooth erosion worldwide, driven by diet, ageing, and lifestyle factors.
Dentists warn that the problem is increasing in younger populations as consumption of acidic drinks and processed foods rises.
Keratin mimics natural enamel
Enamel erosion is a growing concern. Acidic diets, poor oral hygiene, and ageing all contribute to tooth sensitivity, pain, and eventual tooth loss.
Unlike bone or hair, enamel cannot regenerate.
“Once it is lost, it’s gone forever,” said Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author and consultant in prosthodontics at King’s College London.
The research team discovered that keratin forms a protective coating when it meets minerals in saliva.
This coating mimics the structure and function of natural enamel. In lab tests, keratin-based treatments completely halted decay. They also sealed exposed nerve channels, easing sensitivity.
Fluoride toothpaste can slow enamel loss. However, keratin formed a dense mineral layer that delivered both structural protection and symptomatic relief.
This could potentially reduce the need for fillings or crowns in early-stage damage.
From wool to dental repair
The scientists extracted keratin from wool for their study. When applied to the tooth surface, the protein formed a crystal-like scaffold.
This scaffold continued to attract calcium and phosphate ions over time. The result was a protective enamel-like coating that grew around the tooth.
“This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry, providing an eco-friendly biomaterial that mirrors natural processes,” said Sara Gamea, PhD researcher at King’s College London and first author of the study.
Gamea said keratin is sustainably sourced from biological waste such as hair and skin. It also avoids traditional plastic resins used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable.
“Keratin also looks much more natural than these treatments, as it can more closely match the colour of the original tooth,” she said.
The researchers say the natural colour match could make repairs less noticeable, improving patient satisfaction alongside clinical performance.
The researchers believe keratin-based enamel regeneration could reach the public within two to three years.
Delivery could be through daily toothpaste or as a professionally applied gel, similar to nail varnish, for targeted repair.
The work supports a circular, waste-to-health approach. By using discarded biological material, it reduces reliance on synthetic resins and toxic substances.
The team says it could help address concerns about fluoride use and the sustainability of dental care materials.
Dr Elsharkawy said biotechnology is opening new possibilities for restorative treatments. “We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology allows us to not just treat symptoms but restore biological function using the body’s own materials,” he said.
With the right partnerships, the team hopes to bring the treatment into mainstream dentistry soon.
If successful, the approach could change both preventive and restorative dentistry. It could turn a simple haircut into the starting point for growing stronger, healthier smiles.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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