Toothpaste made from hair works better than fluorine, scientists say

Are you looking for an efficient and lasting toothpaste? It could be above your head.

Scientists have discovered that keratin, a protein found in hair, skin and wool, can repair dental enamel and stop dental caries. It could also protect teeth even better than conventional fluoride toothpaste, stopping dental caries on its traces, according to a new study.

When keratin comes into contact with saliva, it forms a protective coating that imitates natural enamel, depending on the study. Not only can it protect the teeth from new damage, but it can also help repair the enamel, which cannot make traditional toothpaste.

The results are published in aDviand health equipment.

“Keratin offers an alternative transformer to current dental treatments. Not only does it come in a sustainable way from organic waste such as hair and skin, but it also eliminates the need for traditional plastic resins, commonly used in restorative dentistry, which are toxic and less lasting, “said Sara Gamea, a graduate of King’s College in London and the first author of the study, in a declaration.

The enamel of the teeth wears out with age, leading to the sensitivity of the teeth and possibly a need for dental prostheses. This process is accelerated by acidic foods and poor oral hygiene. And once the enamel has gone, let’s go.

Fluor toothpaste can slow this process but not stop it. What can he? Keratin, apparently. The protein forms a dense crystal type scaffolding which imitates the structure, color and function of real enamel, revealed the new study.

Over time, the scaffolding continues to attract calcium and phosphate ions, leading to the growth of an enamel coating on the teeth. This means that keratin -based toothpaste could potentially repair the lost enamel and seal the exposed nerves, reversing the symptoms of enamel erosion.

The study authors used keratin extracted from wool in their study, but said that it could also be extracted from other sources, including human hair. This is a huge step for regenerative dentistry, according to the researchers. It is also good for the environment, providing a biodegradable alternative to conventional toothpaste. Fortunately, consumers may not have to wait a long time to buy a keratin -based toothpaste; Researchers say it could happen on the market over the next two to three years.

“We are entering an exciting era where biotechnology not only allows us to treat symptoms, but to restore the biological function by using the own body’s documents. With subsequent development and good partnerships in the industry, we can soon become stronger and healthier of the smiles of something as simple as the haircut of King’s College in London, said in a study declaration.