Keratin can potentially repair and protect tooth enamel by forming a mineralized layer over the tooth while halting decay and restoring its strength, according to a new research paper.
The scientists conducted the study by extracting keratin from wool and applying it to tooth surfaces. They found that when it was combined with saliva, the protein formed into a crystal-like structure that mimicked real enamel.
Keratin is a sustainable resource that is found in wool, as well as in hair, fingernails, and skin.
"Not only is it sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less durable," lead author and King's College London researcher Sara Gamea told Science Daily. "Keratin also looks much more natural than these treatments, as it can more closely match the color of the original tooth."
Researchers aim to make the discovery available to the general public within three years in the form of a daily-use toothpaste or a professional gel used by dentists, like nail varnish.
The potential for a future where early cavities are repaired without drills, where enamel can be regenerated, and where toothpaste does more than just protect teeth excites health professionals like New York dentist Dr. Sandip Sachar, who believes the discovery may change how dentists work, though it won’t replace them.
"Even with perfect enamel repair, patients will still need routine cleanings, periodontal care, orthodontics, trauma care, and so much more," Sachar told NTD. "Patients will still want a trusted professional to confirm that they don’t still have hidden decay and that enamel regeneration was successful."
Until keratin is widely available commercially and professionally, Sachar is content with using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on her dental patients.
SDF can stop active decay by killing cavity-causing bacteria and hardening the damaged, softened tooth structure, but it is incapable of regenerating lost tooth structure or rebuilding lost enamel, Sachar said.
"The cavity may arrest with SDF but the hole still stays there and has to be filled," she said. "This Keratin approach aims to not just stop decay, but also to actually re-grow lost enamel as well, potentially restoring the natural tooth."