newYou can now listen to Fox News articles.
A team of scientists in London may have found a way to fix it. tooth enamel We use an ingredient found in an unexpected place: human hair.
Researchers at King’s College London experimented with applying keratin, the same natural protein found in hair, skin and nails, to teeth. In clinical testing, the system “showed potential to repair early defective tooth enamel lesions and restore both optical appearance and mechanical properties,” potentially offering a future in restoring tooth decay.
As a daily habit, drink acidic drinks Alternatively, neglecting to brush properly can gradually erode enamel, leading to sensitivity and tooth loss, the study explains. Fluoride can only slow the damage, but a new research keratin-based formula completely stopped the damage in lab tests.
Researchers harvested keratin from wool and found that when it was applied to tooth surfaces and exposed to minerals in saliva, it formed crystal-like structures.
Root canals do more than just save your tooth. Study Finds May Improve Overall Health
Keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in our hair, skin, and nails. (St. Petersburg)
Over time, this structure attracted calcium and phosphate and turned into a durable layer that mimics enamel. Studies have found that by forming a dense mineral layer that seals nerve pathways, keratin protects teeth from further wear and tear, while at the same time relieving sensitivity.
Study suggests treating periodontal disease may reduce risk of heart attack and stroke
Keratin has formed a crystalline structure that looks and behaves like natural enamel. (St. Petersburg)
According to the research team, the regenerated material may protect teeth from further acid wear, and the process may even reverse early cavities.
Dental experts reveal 6 important tips to prevent tooth loss in older adults
What makes this discovery particularly appealing is its potential for sustainability, the researchers say. Keratin can be harvested from hair and wool that would otherwise be discarded, turning waste into valuable health products.
In a press statement, scientists at King’s College London said they envision adding it to daily toothpaste and other uses such as: Treatments applied by dentists It could become a reality within the next few years, but it depends on further testing and commercial development.
For more health stories, click here
Experts warn that this breakthrough is still in its early stages.
“The thickness of the regenerated enamel is limited and its biocompatibility is questionable,” the study said, adding that “clinical application of this technology is difficult due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.”
Scientists said they envision the new ingredient being added to everyday toothpaste or used in dentistry treatments within the next few years. (St. Petersburg)
This means that questions remain about the “scalability” of the solution across a wide range of applications.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
More research is needed to understand how thick and durable the new enamel layer is and whether it can withstand real-world wear and tear for many years, the researchers said.
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it is damaged, it cannot regenerate naturally. (St. Petersburg)
Independent dental scientists also point out that laboratory-based enamel regeneration studies often struggle to match the complexity of true enamel.
Click here to download the FOX News app
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it is damaged, it cannot regenerate naturally. Traditional toothpaste and fluoride treatments only slow the progression of tooth decay or strengthen what remains. If the keratin-based method proves effective in humans, it could be a major step toward true regenerative dentistry, experts say.
Test yourself with our latest lifestyle quiz
The study was published in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
