New toothpaste? Keratin regenerates enamel to stop tooth decay


By Dr. Tim Sandle
SCIENCE EDITOR
DIGITAL JOURNAL
November 11, 2025

 
Dental x-ray. Image by Tim Sandle.

Your next toothpaste might be made from your hair, and it could regrow your enamel, according to researchers based at King’s College London.

The scientists have found that keratin, the protein in hair and skin, can repair and protect tooth enamel. The material forms a mineralised layer that halts decay and restores strength, outperforming traditional fluoride. Specifically, when keratin interacts with the minerals found in saliva, it forms a coating that closely replicates the composition and protective function of natural enamel.

The product is made from sustainable sources like hair, it could soon be available in toothpaste or gels. The discovery could transform dentistry by turning waste into a powerful tool for regeneration.

Tooth decay

Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally, presenting the largest impact on advanced deterioration in oral health.

Everyday habits, from drinking acidic beverages to poor brushing routines, wear away enamel over time. This erosion can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, and eventually tooth loss. While fluoride toothpaste helps slow this process, the keratin-based formulation in the new study went further, completely preventing it in laboratory tests.

Keratin

Keratin creates a dense, mineralised barrier over the tooth’s surface, blocking the nerve channels responsible for sensitivity (a form of biomimetic protein-based platform). This not only protects against further damage but also provides immediate relief from discomfort, addressing both cause and symptom.

In the study, the research team extracted keratin from wool and applied it to tooth surfaces. When exposed to the natural minerals present in saliva, the protein organised itself into a crystal-like structure that mimicked real enamel.

Over time, this microscopic framework continued to attract calcium and phosphate ions, gradually forming a durable, enamel-like layer. The finding marks an important milestone in regenerative dentistry and brings researchers closer to treatments that can rebuild the tooth’s protective shell rather than just patching damage.

New teeth cleaning products

The researchers envision the treatment being available in two forms: a daily-use toothpaste or a professional gel applied by dentists, similar to nail varnish. According to the team, keratin-based enamel repair products could be accessible to the public within two to three years.

Other advantages

The research addresses growing concerns about the environmental impact of dental materials and the long-term use of fluoride.

Keratin is sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin. In addition, the substance eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable.

The research appears in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials, with the research paper headed: “Biomimetic Mineralization of Keratin Scaffolds for Enamel Regeneration.”