Hidden ingredient from hair and toe nails can ‘naturally heal’ teeth, scientists say

While fluoride is currently used human’s best defence against the gradual erosion of our teeth, a huge new discovery has found a horrific way for humans to rebuild their teeth

Scientists have unearthed a revolting way that can naturally heal our teeth from erosion.

A new study has found that toothpaste made with hair or toe nails could be a way to naturally rebuild enamel erosion on teeth. It also means that tooth decay could even be stopped if caught early enough.

Research at Kings College London found that while fluoride is currently the most popular defence against tooth decay and enamel erosion, a new form of toothpaste could have even better results. Results of the scientific study found that keratin-based products could be a huge improvement on current treatments.

Keratin is a protein source in human bodies that is used in several different parts. From our hair to our nails to our skin, keratin plays an important part in our body’s regulation, but it is also seen in other animals such as sheep, with keratin being a key component in wool.

Speaking on the results of the study, Dr Sherif Elsharkawy from King’s College London told Sky News the discovery was a “game changer”. He also said that the find would help to change the dental industry and help humanity protect its teeth better.

Enamel is a thin protective layer on teeth that gradually erodes and does not regenerate, meaning that when it recedes, it is lost forever. This causes several health issues around teeth, including tooth sensitivity and the gradual erosion of teeth themselves.

But Dr Sherif said after the results of the study: “If you have a micro crack or a very small defect, it would heal itself without you even realising.” This is because once the keratin mixed together with the minerals in our spit, the resulting mixture is a protective coating that is similar to that of natural enamel.

Currently, fluoride treatments in our water and our toothpaste help to slow the gradual erosion of enamel. However, the study found that keratin-based toothpaste and treatments could completely stop the erosion.

Treatments could come in a variety of different forms, from toothpaste to professionally applied gel – similar to that of a nail varnish. Should the tests continue to yield similar results, the treatments could be made available to the public within two to three years.

On top of this, the environmental impact would be far less when compared to traditional dental restoration. As well as this, the researchers are hoping to also bring down the cost of restoring teeth, as this can cost thousands of pounds.

“The aim is that we want this to be affordable and to reach the public,” Dr Elsharkawy said. “We don’t think this is going to be a premium product – we would like to get everyone to be able to access it.”

Researchers added that the tests were carried out with sheep’s wool, but in time human hair could be used to extract keratin itself. However, for now, the tests will continue to use wool as “it’s highly abundant and it’s a biowaste, it’s sustainable and it’s good for the farmers”.

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