Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new gel that can repair and regrow tooth enamel.
The protein-based gel was created with an international team from the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and the findings were published in Nature Communications.
The material does not contain fluoride and is designed to mimic the natural proteins that help enamel grow in early life. Dentists can apply it in the same way as a regular fluoride treatment.
After application, the gel forms a thin, strong layer that fills holes and cracks in teeth. It then acts as a framework that draws calcium and phosphate from saliva, allowing new minerals to grow in a controlled way through a process called epitaxial mineralization.
This helps the new minerals bond with the natural tooth and restore the structure and strength of healthy enamel.
The material can also be used on exposed dentine to form a protective layer similar to enamel, helping treat severe tooth sensitivity and improve future dental repairs.
Tooth enamel loss is a major cause of decay and affects nearly half the world’s population. Since enamel does not grow back on its own, damage has usually been permanent.
Current treatments such as fluoride varnishes and remineralization solutions can ease symptoms, but they do not replace lost enamel.
Lead author Dr Abshar Hasan said the new material helps crystals grow together to rebuild healthy enamel.
The team tested the gel under conditions that simulated brushing, chewing and exposure to acidic foods, and found that the regrown enamel behaved like natural enamel.
Hasan said the technology is safe, practical and designed for use by both dentists and patients.
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