Key points from article :
In a major advance for dental health, researchers have created a gel that can repair and regenerate tooth enamel—something previously thought to be impossible. The breakthrough, led by Dr Abshar Hasan at the University of Nottingham, is described in Nature Communications and offers hope to millions affected by tooth decay, which costs the global economy an estimated $544 billion annually.
Developed in collaboration with an international team, the protein-based gel mimics the natural proteins that guide enamel formation in early life. When applied to damaged teeth, it forms a robust layer that fills in holes and cracks, using calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to rebuild enamel in a controlled, natural way. Tests under realistic conditions—such as brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods—showed that the regenerated material performs just like healthy enamel.
According to Professor Álvaro Mata, Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials at Nottingham, the gel is “safe, scalable, and easily applied,” much like a fluoride treatment requiring only a few minutes and no surgery. The researchers have founded a start-up, Mintech-Bio, to commercialise the innovation, with hopes of launching the first product as early as next year. If successful, the treatment could transform how dentists treat tooth decay and enamel loss worldwide.
