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Scientists at King’s College London have found a surprising way to help repair teeth using keratin, a protein found in hair, skin, and wool. Led by Dr Sherif Elsharkawy from the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, the team discovered that keratin can protect and restore tooth enamel, the hard coating that never naturally regenerates once damaged. Toothpaste and drinking water currently rely on fluoride, which only slows down enamel erosion. In contrast, keratin-based treatments completely stopped the damage in lab tests.
The researchers developed toothpaste from keratin extracted from sheep’s wool, which is sustainable and considered biowaste. When this protein mixes with minerals in saliva, it creates a coating that mimics enamel’s structure and function. This could allow tiny cracks and defects in teeth to repair themselves without people even noticing.
Sara Gamea, a PhD researcher and first author of the study, explained that keratin offers a genuine alternative to current dental options. The treatment may be used daily as toothpaste or applied professionally as a gel for more serious cases. The team expects it to become available within two to three years, stressing that it will be affordable, eco-friendly, and accessible to everyone.
