Promising new research finds that hair and wool offer a structural protein known as keratin in abundance. Also found in animals’ feathers, horns and scales, this protein could help protect teeth by forming an enamel-like barrier on their surfaces.
The science hinges on the fact it can be extracted and processed into films, hydrogels, and scaffolds for biomedical use. Biomineralization is the natural process by which tissues organize minerals to gain hardness and resilience—crucial for enamel repair.
Tooth decay affects nearly 90% of adults aged 20 to 64, a common health condition worldwide. Researchers believe that toothpaste made with keratin could be more effective than those made with fluoride, boosting oral health and sustainability efforts alike.
From Waste to Oral Health
Keratin biomineralization uses waste byproducts in dressing wounds, tissue scaffolding, and drug delivery systems. Sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, keratin is a low-impact material that eliminates the need for more toxic, less durable materials like the petroleum-based resins used in dental restoration. They can even match tooth color in more subtle ways, helping to restore appearance and improve mechanical properties without any drilling or plastic resin needed.
Rooted in Research
At King’s College London, lead author Sara Gamea and senior author Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy in the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Science are onto something. The team made water-based keratin films that self-assemble, then tested whether these templates could organize calcium and phosphate from saliva-like solutions into ordered, enamel-like minerals.
They discovered two practical forms for delivery: a toothpaste and a gel. In lab models of early white spot lesions, the keratin infiltrated porous enamel and supported the growth of tightly integrated crystals. With these findings, they hope the first consumer use products will be delivered in two to three years.
Reflection and recovery is crucial to a healthy psyche and body. Everyone struggles with this balance, from part time hustler to CEO of a multinational corporation. I can speak from … Continue reading
Bucking Dental Trends
Dentists often turn to resin infiltration, a plastic-based approach that releases trace monomers and byproducts with measurable cytotoxic potential in laboratory systems to seal pores. Notably, composite restorations can carry failure risks over time like fractures that require replacement.
Fluoride toothpastes might reduce the risk of cavities compared with non-fluoride formulas, but higher concentrations show a dose-response in children and adolescents. Fluoride alone, however, cannot rebuild missing minerals in a fractured tooth surface.
Consumer Challenges
A major hurdle to daily consumer use is getting keratin-based toothpaste to match the price and convenience of standard products. Large-scale production from hair or wool waste will require streamlined collection, processing, and quality control systems to make it cost-effective.
Toxicology assessments will need to confirm that keratin derived from hair or wool is free of harmful contaminants and does not trigger allergic reactions. Long-term wear studies will also be important to ensure that mineral layers formed on the enamel remain stable and do not flake or stain.
While some may welcome a natural, sustainable ingredient, others could hesitate at the idea of a dental product derived from hair. Clear education campaigns and transparent sourcing will be important to build trust and encourage widespread acceptance. Before keratin-based toothpaste can reach consumers, it must pass through regulatory review to ensure both safety and efficacy.
