Hair keratin toothpaste halts tooth decay

Researchers report a toothpaste made from hair-derived keratin could repair enamel and stop early decay, with market potential in a few years.

Hair keratin toothpaste halts tooth decay

Scientists from King’s College London say they have developed a toothpaste made from keratin, a protein found in human hair and wool. They report that applying this keratin to teeth forms a dense mineral layer that mimics enamel and may repair damaged areas more effectively than fluoride in some tests. The researchers envision the product as a toothpaste or a gel similar to nail varnish for targeted repairs and say it could reach the market in two to three years. Waste hair from salons and excess wool from farms could be recycled into the formula, offering an eco friendly option.

Dr Sherif Elsharkawy notes that enamel does not regenerate and that fluoride slows decay but cannot stop it. He adds that the keratin approach aims to permanently restore tooth strength, though the work is early stage and would require clinical trials and regulatory approval before any consumer product appears. If validated, the method could reduce reliance on fluoride and cut dental waste while opening a new path for sustainable dental care.

If verified in clinical tests, the claim would challenge the long held belief that enamel cannot be rebuilt. Yet the current report rests on laboratory findings, and independent replication will be crucial before any public procurement or product launch. The sustainability angle is appealing: turning waste hair and wool into dental products could appeal to environmentally minded patients and clinics alike. The practical test will be safety, effectiveness in diverse patients, and how quickly regulators move from lab claims to real world use.

Highlights

The next stage will be rigorous testing and independent verification.