Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a fluoride-free gel that regenerates tooth enamel by mimicking natural proteins, offering a breakthrough in preventive dental treatment and potentially transforming care for millions
A team at the University of Nottingham has unveiled a cutting-edge protein-based gel that can rapidly repair and regenerate damaged tooth enamel, potentially revolutionising how dental decay and erosion are treated. This bio-inspired material acts like a scaffold, guiding mineral growth from saliva to rebuild enamel in a way that mimics the tooth’s original structure, offering new hope for long-lasting dental health solutions.
The findings have been published in Nature Communications.
Revolutionary gel regenerates teeth
Application of the fluoride-free gel is straightforward, mirroring the process of standard fluoride treatments. However, this new protein-based gel, unlike its fluoride counterparts, is designed to mimic the natural proteins that guide the growth of dental enamel in infancy.
The fluoride-free gel forms a thin but strong layer that penetrates the teeth, filling in holes and cracks. It acts as a scaffold, absorbing calcium and phosphate ions from saliva while facilitating the controlled development of new minerals, a process known as epitaxial mineralisation. This process allows the newly formed minerals to be structured and integrated into the underlying natural tissue, helping to restore both the structure and properties of healthy natural enamel.
The fluoride-free gel’s versatility extends to treating exposed dentine. It forms an enamel-like layer on top of the dentine, effectively addressing hypersensitivity and improving the bonding of dental restorations.
Enamel loss affects millions of people worldwide
Enamel degradation contributes to tooth decay, affecting nearly 50% of the world’s population. These problems develop into infections and tooth loss, and eventually lead to conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Enamel does not naturally regenerate, and currently, there is no practical solution that regrows enamel.
Dr Abshar Hasan, a Postdoctoral Fellow and leading author of the study, said: “Dental enamel has a unique structure, which gives enamel its remarkable properties that protect our teeth throughout life against physical, chemical, and thermal insults. When our material is applied to demineralised or eroded enamel, or exposed dentine, the material promotes the growth of crystals in an integrated and organised manner, recovering the architecture of our natural, healthy enamel.”
“We have tested the mechanical properties of these regenerated tissues under conditions simulating ‘real-life situations’ such as tooth brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods, and found that the regenerated enamel behaves just like healthy enamel,“ added Dr Abshar Hasan.
“We are very excited because the technology has been designed with the clinician and patient in mind. It is safe, can be easily and rapidly applied, and it is scalable. Also, the technology is versatile, which opens the opportunity to be translated into multiple types of products to help patients of all ages suffering from a variety of dental problems associated with loss of enamel and exposed dentine. We have started this process with our start-up company Mintech-Bio and hope to have a first product out next year; this innovation could soon be helping patients worldwide, “commented Professor Alvaro Mata, Chair in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials.
