Enamel is a crucial part of our teeth, protecting them from damage and decay. However, once enamel starts to break down, it can lead to accelerated tooth decay and the need for fillings. Traditional treatments like fluoride varnishes and remineralisation solutions can help prevent further damage, but they do not regenerate enamel naturally.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a gel that could revolutionize dental care by using chemicals found in saliva to repair and regenerate tooth enamel. This gel contains a modified version of a protein that mimics the action of amelogenin, a protein that helps guide the growth of enamel in infants.
In experiments conducted by the researchers, the gel was applied to human teeth in solutions containing calcium and phosphate, the primary building blocks of enamel. The gel created a thin and robust layer on the teeth, even withstanding brushing. It filled holes and cracks, creating a scaffold for the growth of new enamel crystals. The new growth, up to 10 micrometers thick, integrated seamlessly with the existing enamel, rebuilding its structure and properties.
The researchers were able to grow crystals epitaxially, meaning they were in the same crystallographic orientation as existing enamel. This process successfully regenerated enamel within a week, even when using donated saliva that naturally contains calcium and phosphate.
Compared to a similar approach reported in 2019, this new gel produced thicker coatings and fully recovered the architecture of inner enamel layers. Clinical trials in humans are planned for early next year, with hopes of introducing a commercial product by the end of 2026 through a company called Mintech-Bio.
This groundbreaking research could potentially eliminate the need for fillings and prevent tooth decay by restoring and regenerating enamel in a natural and efficient way. Dentists may soon have a new tool at their disposal to help patients maintain healthy and strong teeth for years to come.
