Toothpaste Made from Human Hair Protein Could Transform Dental Care Within Three Years

 A new keratin-based toothpaste developed by researchers at King’s College London could soon repair damaged tooth enamel, halt early decay, and ease sensitivity—all while offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional dental treatments.

The innovation, which may be available to the public within two to three years, uses keratin extracted from human hair, wool, and other biological waste to restore the natural protective layer of teeth. According to the research team, this approach not only mimics the structure of real enamel but also eliminates the need for certain toxic materials currently used in restorative dentistry.

The Problem of Enamel Loss

Enamel erosion is a growing global concern. The protective layer of the tooth is worn away by acidic foods and drinks, poor oral hygiene, and the natural ageing process. Unlike bone or skin, enamel cannot regenerate on its own. Once it is lost, the tooth becomes vulnerable to pain, sensitivity, decay, and eventual structural breakdown.

“Once enamel is lost, it’s gone forever,” said Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, senior author of the study and consultant in prosthodontics at King’s College London. “The best we can do is protect what remains or find ways to replace it.”

Current preventive tools, like fluoride toothpaste, can help slow erosion, but they cannot truly rebuild enamel. Restorative treatments such as crowns, fillings, and composite resins aim to replace lost tooth material, but these methods have limitations. Composite materials can discolor over time, may not bond perfectly to the tooth, and often require replacement after years of wear.

How Hair-Derived Keratin Works

The King’s College London research team discovered that keratin, the fibrous protein found in hair, nails, skin, and wool, can recreate an enamel-like surface when it interacts with the minerals naturally present in saliva.

In laboratory tests, keratin formed a dense, crystal-like scaffold on the tooth surface. This scaffold attracted calcium and phosphate ions, the key building blocks of enamel. Over time, these minerals built up to form a protective coating that closely mimicked the structure and hardness of natural enamel.

The keratin coating not only halted decay in early-stage lesions but also sealed exposed dentin tubules—the tiny channels that lead to the tooth’s nerve—providing significant relief from sensitivity.

“This technology bridges the gap between biology and dentistry,” said lead researcher Sara Gamea, a PhD candidate at King’s. “It uses a natural, biodegradable protein to restore tooth structure in a way that mirrors nature’s own processes.”

From Sheep’s Wool to Toothpaste Tube

For this study, keratin was extracted from wool, but the same protein can be sourced from human hair and other biological waste streams. The researchers point out that this makes the technology both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

“This is a perfect example of waste-to-health innovation,” Gamea explained. “We can take discarded materials like hair or wool and turn them into something with real clinical value, without relying on the synthetic resins or toxic chemicals often used in dentistry.”

The approach also improves cosmetic outcomes. Because keratin coatings can match the natural shade of teeth more closely than standard resin fillings, repairs are less noticeable. This could improve patient satisfaction, especially for visible front teeth.

Beyond Toothpaste: Professional Treatments Possible

The research team envisions multiple ways to deliver keratin-based enamel restoration. One option is integrating the protein into an everyday toothpaste, allowing users to gradually strengthen enamel during routine brushing. Another is a concentrated, professionally applied gel, similar to nail varnish, that could repair damaged spots more quickly.

Both delivery methods could be used preventively or as part of treatment for early-stage enamel erosion, potentially reducing the need for more invasive dental work later.

Environmental and Health Advantages

Current dental restorative materials often involve petroleum-based plastics, bisphenol-A derivatives, or other synthetic chemicals that carry environmental and health concerns. Keratin is biodegradable, non-toxic, and can be sustainably sourced, offering a greener alternative without compromising performance.

The approach also addresses ongoing debates over fluoride use. While fluoride remains a highly effective tool against cavities, concerns persist in some communities about overexposure, particularly in children. A keratin-based enamel repair system could provide an alternative for patients who cannot or prefer not to use fluoride products.

A Step Toward Functional Regeneration

Dr Elsharkawy believes this work marks a broader shift in dentistry toward functional regeneration rather than symptom management. “We are entering an era where biotechnology allows us not just to patch the problem but to restore natural function using the body’s own building materials,” he said.

If the technology continues to perform well in clinical trials, it could significantly change how dentists address enamel loss and early decay. Instead of filling cavities after the fact, dental care could focus on restoring and strengthening tooth surfaces before irreversible damage occurs.

Next Steps Toward Market

The research team is now seeking commercial partners to bring keratin-based dental products to the market. Regulatory approval processes will be needed, but because keratin is already widely used in cosmetics and biomedical applications, the path to approval may be faster than for entirely new synthetic compounds.

If development proceeds as expected, keratin toothpaste could be on pharmacy shelves in as little as two years, with professional-strength applications available through dentists shortly thereafter.

Public Health Potential

Widespread use of keratin-based toothpaste could have a notable public health impact, particularly in areas with high rates of dental erosion or limited access to professional dental care. By protecting and rebuilding enamel at home, users could reduce their risk of cavities, sensitivity, and costly dental treatments.

The technology may also be especially valuable for people with conditions that predispose them to enamel loss, such as acid reflux, eating disorders, or certain genetic disorders affecting tooth development.

Conclusion

Keratin-based dental care represents a convergence of biotechnology, sustainability, and preventive medicine. By turning waste hair or wool into a clinically effective material for enamel regeneration, researchers at King’s College London may have found a way to address one of dentistry’s most persistent problems—without adding to the environmental burden of traditional treatments.

If all goes as planned, a product once considered a niche research experiment could soon become part of millions of people’s daily oral care routine, offering both a healthier smile and a more sustainable future for dentistry.