New Dental Treatment Using Sheep’s Wool Could Repair Enamel
A recent study suggests that dental treatments derived from sheep’s wool and other types of hair could be used to coat teeth, repairing enamel and ultimately preventing decay.
Researchers extracted keratin—a protein present in hair, skin, and nails—from wool. When applied to teeth, this substance created a protective, crystal-like layer resembling natural tooth enamel.
This research could pave the way for sustainable and cost-effective solutions to early tooth decay in the next two to three years. The findings were published on August 12 in the journal Advanced Healthcare Materials.
“Keratin presents a revolutionary alternative to standard dental treatments,” noted study co-author Sara Gamea, a dentistry researcher at King’s College London. “It’s sustainably sourced from biological waste materials like hair and skin, reducing reliance on traditional plastic resins typically used in restorative dentistry, which can be toxic and less durable. Additionally, keratin matches the original tooth color much better than current options.”
Tooth decay is the most prevalent oral health issue globally, impacting about 2 billion individuals. Factors such as acidic foods, poor oral hygiene, and daily wear can erode the enamel protecting teeth. Once enamel is lost, it doesn’t regenerate, leading to pain, cavities, and potential tooth loss, highlighted Sherif Elsharkawy, another co-author and a researcher specializing in prosthodontics at King’s College London.
In their investigation, Elsharkawy and colleagues first extracted keratin from wool fibers and mixed it with water to form a thin film. When this keratin film was applied to a tooth sample, it developed a strong, organized, and crystal-like coating that mimicked biological enamel upon contact with minerals in saliva. Over a month, the coating attracted calcium and phosphate ions, forming a robust, protective layer over the tooth.
The scientists are currently exploring avenues to make this keratin treatment available. Options could include keratin toothpastes for regular use or professional coatings that could be applied at dental offices, anticipated within the next few years.
“We are entering a thrilling phase where biotechnology enables us to not only treat symptoms but also restore biological functions using materials naturally produced by the body,” said Elsharkawy. “With continued development and appropriate industry collaborations, we may soon enhance smiles from something as unassuming as a haircut.”
