KCL scientists say toothpaste made from hair can prevent decay

Dr. Sheriff Elsharkvi believes that technology may be available within two years

King's College London Dr. Sheriff Elsharkvi wearing blue gloves, white lab jackets and glasses, holds two clumps of white hair in a laboratory — Dr. Sheriff Elsharkvi believes that technology may be available within two years

Researchers say toothpastes made from your own hair can help repair and protect damaged teeth.

Scientists at King’s College London (KCL) found that a protein found in keratin – hair, skin, and wool – tooth can repair enamel and prevent early stages of decay.

Their research has shown that Keratin produces a protective coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel when exposed to minerals in saliva.

Sara Gambia, PhD researcher at KCL and the first author, said: “Keratin offers a transformative option for current dental remedies.”

Teeth decay may be caused by acidic food and drink

King's College London Mouth Model shows decay with three teeth inside the mouth with springs — Teeth decay may be caused by acidic food and drink

He said: “This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry, providing an environmentally friendly biomaterial that reflects natural processes.

“Not only is it a constant sour sour from biological waste materials such as hair and skin, it also eliminates the requirement of traditional plastic resins, usually used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable.”

In his study, published in advanced healthcare materials, scientists pulled keratin out of wool.

Researchers say that the hair extracted from the hair can be used to make toothpastes that repair the teeth

A person wearing blue gloves holds a test tube with a group of white, fluffy keratin materials extracted from the hair, in a laboratory setting. — Researchers say that the hair extracted from the hair can be used to make toothpastes that repair the teeth

They discovered that when the keratin is applied to the tooth surface and naturally exposure to the minerals present in saliva, it makes a highly organized, crystal -like scaffold that mimics the structure and function of the natural enamel.

Over time, this scaffolding continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, according to researchers, a protective enamel -like coating is increased around the tooth.

Acidic foods and beverages, poor oral hygiene and aging all contribute to enamel erosion and decay, causing teeth sensitivity, pain, and ultimate tooth deficiency.

King's College London Orange-Topped Test Tube Lyds Label, Measurement and Various Clear, Pink and Green Liquids — Research was led by a PhD student

Senior writer and advisor of Prostodontics at KCL. Sheriff Elsari said: “Unlike bones and hair, enamel is not revived, once it is lost, it has gone forever.

“We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology not only allows us to treat symptoms, but also restore biological function using its body’s own materials.

“With further development and correct industry participation, we may soon be strong, some simple to healthy smiles as a haircut.”