New gel may help regrow tooth enamel
Photo: University of Nottingham
Weakened tooth enamel can lead to tooth decay, infections, and tooth loss. It has also been linked to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel does not naturally regenerate once it is lost. Current treatments, including fluoride varnishes and remineralization products, only manage the effects of enamel damage rather than restoring it.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering have developed a bioinspired material that could help regenerate damaged enamel, strengthen healthy teeth, and prevent future decay. The study, conducted with an international team of researchers, was published in Nature Communications.
The protein-based gel is fluoride-free and can be applied in the same way dentists use standard fluoride treatments. According to the researchers, the material mimics the natural proteins involved in enamel formation during infancy.
When applied to teeth, the gel forms a thin protective layer that fills small holes and cracks. It then acts as a scaffold, drawing calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to promote the controlled growth of new minerals through a process called epitaxial mineralization. This process allows the new mineral layer to integrate with existing tooth tissue while restoring the structure and properties of healthy enamel.
Researchers also found that the material can be applied to exposed dentine, where it forms an enamel-like layer. According to the study, this may help treat tooth sensitivity and improve the bonding of dental restorations.
Dr Abshar Hasan, a Postdoctoral Fellow and leading author of the study said dental enamel has a unique structure that protects teeth from physical, chemical, and thermal damage throughout life. He added that the new material promotes organized crystal growth on damaged enamel and exposed dentine, helping recover the architecture of natural healthy enamel.
Category: Education
