Researchers from the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham in the UK, working with an international team, have developed a bioinspired material that could regenerate tooth enamel, the protective outer layer that shields teeth from damage and decay.
Fluoride-Free Protein-Based Gel That Mimics Natural Enamel Formation
The newly developed gel is applied much like a traditional fluoride treatment but contains no fluoride. Instead, it relies on proteins that replicate the function of those responsible for guiding enamel formation during childhood.
Once applied, the gel creates a thin, durable coating that fills tiny cracks and defects, providing a scaffold for new mineral growth. It draws calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and promotes the controlled formation of enamel crystals through a process called epitaxial mineralization. As these minerals integrate with the existing tooth structure, they rebuild the enamel, restoring its original architecture and protective properties.
Enamel-Like Coating for Dentin Reduces Sensitivity and Improves Bonding
The gel can also be applied to exposed dentin, the inner layer of the tooth, where it forms an enamel-like coating. This may help reduce dentin hypersensitivity while improving the bonding of dental restorations.
Enamel erosion is one of the primary causes of tooth decay, which affects nearly half of the world’s population. Untreated tooth decay can lead to tooth loss and is linked to conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Unlike many other tissues, tooth enamel cannot regenerate once it is lost. Existing treatments, including fluoride varnishes, mainly help manage symptoms rather than rebuild the damaged tissue. “Dental enamel has a unique protective structure,” said lead author Abshar Hasan. “Our material promotes crystal growth in an organized manner, restoring the architecture of healthy natural enamel,” he added.
Read the original article on: Dental Press
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