It sounds unbelievable, but your next toothpaste might actually be made from hair.
Scientists at King’s College London have discovered that keratin — the same protein found in hair, skin, and nails — can rebuild and protect tooth enamel, potentially transforming how we prevent cavities and sensitivity. The study reveals a natural, sustainable alternative to fluoride that doesn’t just protect teeth, but helps regrow enamel from within.
The Hair-to-Tooth Breakthrough
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, but once it wears away, it doesn’t grow back. Daily exposure to acidic drinks, sugar, and aggressive brushing can erode this protective surface, leaving teeth vulnerable to pain and decay.
The new discovery shows that keratin can spark the natural rebuilding of enamel. When combined with the minerals found in saliva, it forms a mineralized layer that mimics natural enamel in both structure and strength. This regenerated surface can halt early decay and restore the tooth’s integrity — a leap beyond what fluoride alone can achieve.
Stronger, Safer, and More Sustainable
In laboratory studies published in Advanced Healthcare Materials, researchers extracted keratin from wool and applied it to worn tooth surfaces. When exposed to calcium and phosphate ions — the same minerals that strengthen teeth — the protein organized itself into a crystal-like framework resembling enamel.
This newly formed coating acted as a dense barrier against acid erosion and nerve sensitivity, protecting teeth while also rebuilding their surface. Because the keratin was derived from natural, renewable materials such as hair and wool, the process offers a more eco-friendly and biocompatible alternative to conventional dental materials that rely on synthetic resins or plastics.
The approach also improves comfort and appearance, creating a more natural look and feel than traditional fillings or varnishes.
Coming Soon to Your Bathroom Shelf
The research team envisions two potential products:
A keratin-based toothpaste for daily use.
A professional gel treatment applied by dentists for deeper enamel restoration.
With further testing and regulatory review, these products could be available within the next two to three years, offering a way to repair damaged enamel without drills, fillings, or synthetic compounds.
A New Era of Regenerative Dentistry
This breakthrough represents a significant step toward biotech-based oral care — where natural materials help the body repair itself instead of simply patching damage. Supported by the
Wellcome Trust, King’s College London, and the National Institute of Health Research, the project demonstrates how waste materials like hair can be turned into a powerful tool for regeneration.
By tapping into the body’s natural building blocks, scientists are paving the way for stronger, healthier smiles — and a future where a simple haircut could help power the next generation of dental care.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek guidance from your dentist or a qualified health provider regarding any dental condition or treatment.
