Keratin toothpaste could reshape dental care

A study proposes keratin from hair can repair enamel and may outperform fluoride toothpaste.

Toothpaste Made From Hair Works Better Than Fluoride Scientists Say

Scientists publish findings in Advanced Healthcare Materials showing keratin, a protein found in hair, skin and wool, forms a protective coating when it meets saliva. The coating mimics natural enamel, shielding teeth from decay and potentially repairing worn enamel. Unlike fluoride toothpaste that slows erosion, the keratin approach could reverse some enamel damage under certain conditions.

The wool-based keratin used in the study could also come from human hair. Researchers say a keratin toothpaste could reach consumers in two to three years if development continues and industry partnerships form. The approach fits with regenerative dentistry and offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastic resins currently used in restorations.

The finding shifts the frame from protection to restoration in everyday dental care. If proven safe and effective in humans, it could disrupt the fluoride-focused market and push manufacturers to rethink materials. It also points to a broader trend in biotech moving everyday products toward regenerative capabilities.

But there are caveats. Questions about long-term safety, allergic reactions, cost and supply chains must be asked. Regulatory approvals, clinical trials and transparent labeling will decide whether this becomes a real option for patients rather than a lab curiosity.

Highlights

Smiles could be reshaped by science, but patient safety stays the priority.