A revolutionary research signed King’s College London opens the way to a sustainable toothpaste and clinically effective, made with one protein contained in hair and wool: the keratin. According to scientists, this substance can repair dental enamel damaged and prevent cariestaking advantage of a completely natural process that imitates that of our body.
Unlike bones and hair, dental enamel does not regenerate: Once lost, the damage is irreversible. But scholars found that, in contact with the minerals of salivakeratin is able to form a highly organized crystalline scaffoldingsimilar to the structure of the original nail polish. This coating not only protects the tooth from acid attacks, but Seal the nervous channels on displaythus reducing sensitivity and offering lasting relief.
Because keratin in the dentrificio is the turning point
The consumption of acid foods, poor oral hygiene and aging are the main managers of theenamel erosionwith consequent pains, sensitivity and loss of teeth. Currently, fluorine toothpastes only succeed in slow down this process; Instead, according to the researchers, keratin manages to completely stop itcreating a resistant and lasting protective layer.
As explained by Dr. Sherif Elsharkawysenior author of the study and specialist in dental prostheses, this discovery marks an important step forward in regenerative dental. The treatment could be integrated into a common toothpaste for daily use or applied professionally as a gelsimilarly to an nail polish, for a more targeted action.
The study, published on Advanced Healthcare Materialsconfirmed that The keratin, once applied on the tooth, continues to attract football and phosphate ionsstrengthening over time the layer similar to the enamel. The result is one highly effective protective coveragethat restores both the function and the natural aspect of the tooth.
Sustainability and biotechnology
In addition to the extraordinary clinical effectiveness, this technology has a decidedly positive environmental impact. As pointed out by researcher Sara Gameafirst author of the study, keratin can be obtained from organic waste such as hair and skintransforming them into reusable clinical materialsin line with the principles of the circular economy.
Furthermore, unlike the traditional synthetic resinsoften toxic and not very lasting, keratin is more resistant, less polluting and visually more naturalas it approaches the Original coloring of the teeth.
The project is not limited to the theory: the team is already working for bring technology to the market within two or three yearsin collaboration with industrial partners in the sector. A real carried out in oral carewhich unites Science, sustainability and biotechnology.
As Dr. Elshakawy said:
We are entering an exciting era, in which biotechnology is not limited to treating symptoms, but restores biological functions using natural materials of the body itself. One day we could really go back to having a strong and healthy smile … starting from a simple haircut.
