Fluoride in toothpaste has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel, making our choppers more resistant to acids from plaque and the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Now researchers have identified a substance that can protect against decay and repair early-stage damage better than fluoride. Brace yourself — its found on your head. “We may soon be growing stronger, healthier smiles from something as simple as a haircut,” said Dr. Sherif Elsharkawy, Professor of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences at King’s College London. Keratin — a protein in human hair, skin, nails and the wool of sheep — forms a dense mineral coating that mimics the structure and function of natural enamel, protecting teeth and potentially sealing exposed nerve channels that cause sensitivity. Researchers hope to channel the power of keratin into a daily toothpaste or a professionally applied gel that can target problem areas, and envision a product hitting the shelves within 2-3 years. “Not only is keratin 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,” said Sara Gamea, researcher and author of the study.
