Scientists create a toothpaste that can solve enamel problems

Scientists from King‘s College London created a toothpaste made out of a special ingredient, wool. They believe that wool can help keep teeth healthy.

Enamel is the outer layer of a tooth. Enamel is harder than bone. However, it can be worn down. Some foods or drinks have acid that makes plaque, and layers of plaque can wear down enamel. This is called enamel erosion. Sherif Elsharkawy, a scientist who is part of the research team, said, “Unlike bones and hair, enamel doesn’t regenerate.” This is a problem that scientists are trying to solve.

Scientists from King’s College London found out that keratin might be the solution. This is a protein that the body uses to make skin, hair, and nails healthier and stronger. This protein is also found in many animal body parts, like horns, hooves, feathers, and sheep wool. The scientists discovered that when saliva mixes with keratin, it builds a structure very similar to enamel. Keratin has “a structure that can guide minerals into forming enamel-like crystals,” says Sherif Elsharkawy.

Scientists believe that this new method is better than current methods. A lot of current methods use materials or chemicals that might be dangerous. Sheep wool toothpaste only uses natural ingredients, so it is believed to be safer.

Among the many qualities of sheep wool toothpaste are its strength and natural-looking appearance. Some brands of toothpaste only slow the process of enamel erosion down. On the other hand, sheep wool toothpaste completely stops it.

https://newsforkids.net/articles/2025/09/04/scientists-create-toothpaste-with-wool/

https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/scientist-made-toothpaste-from-hair

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9qy0w27213o