Toothpaste Made From Hair Works Higher Than Fluoride, Scientists Say

On the lookout for an efficient, sustainable toothpaste? It could be on high of your head.

Scientists have found that keratin, a protein present in hair, pores and skin, and wool, can restore tooth enamel and cease tooth decay. It may also defend tooth even higher than standard fluoride-based toothpastes, stopping tooth decay in its tracks, in accordance with a brand new research.

When keratin comes into contact with saliva, it types a protecting coating that mimics pure enamel, the research exhibits. Not solely can it defend tooth from additional harm, however it could additionally assist restore enamel—one thing conventional toothpastes can’t do.

The findings are printed in Advanced Healthcare Materials. 

“Keratin affords a transformative different to present dental therapies. Not solely is it sustainably sourced from organic waste supplies like hair and pores and skin, it additionally eliminates the necessity for conventional plastic resins, generally utilized in restorative dentistry, that are poisonous and fewer sturdy,” Sara Gamea, a graduate scholar at King’s School London and first creator of the research, mentioned in a statement.

Tooth enamel wears away with age, resulting in tooth sensitivity and finally a necessity for dentures. This course of is hastened by acidic meals and poor oral hygiene. And as soon as enamel is gone, it’s gone.

Fluoride toothpaste can gradual this course of however not cease it. What can? Keratin, apparently. The protein types a dense crystal-like scaffold that mimics the construction, shade, and performance of precise enamel, the brand new research discovered.

Over time, the scaffold continues to draw calcium and phosphate ions, resulting in the expansion of an enamel-like coating on tooth. Which means keratin-based toothpaste may doubtlessly restore misplaced enamel and seal uncovered nerves—reversing the signs of enamel erosion.

The research authors used keratin extracted from wool of their research however mentioned it is also extracted from different sources, together with human hair. This can be a large step for regenerative dentistry, the researchers say. It’s additionally good for the surroundings, offering a biodegradable different to standard toothpastes. And fortunately, customers may not have to attend lengthy to buy a keratin-based toothpaste; the researchers say it may hit the market within the subsequent two to a few years.

“We’re getting into an thrilling period the place biotechnology permits us to not simply deal with signs however restore organic operate utilizing the physique’s personal supplies. With additional growth and the fitting business partnerships, we could quickly be rising stronger, more healthy smiles from one thing so simple as a haircut,” Sherif Elsharkawy, the research’s lead creator and marketing consultant in prosthodontics at King’s School London, mentioned in a press release.