University of Nottingham Develops Protein Gel to Regenerate Tooth Enamel and Prevent Decay

Scientists at the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with international researchers, have developed a novel bioinspired, fluoride-free protein gel that can regenerate and strengthen tooth enamel, as detailed in Nature Communications. This gel mimics natural proteins involved in enamel growth during infancy, creating a thin, robust layer that fills cracks and serves as a scaffold for calcium and phosphate ions from saliva, promoting organized mineral growth integrated with natural enamel. Unlike current treatments, which only alleviate symptoms, this gel enables epitaxial mineralization, effectively rebuilding enamel structure and properties, and can also grow an enamel-like layer over exposed dentine to treat hypersensitivity and improve dental restorations. Enamel degradation affects nearly half the global population and is linked to serious health conditions, yet enamel does not naturally regenerate, making this innovation a potential breakthrough in dental care. Researchers emphasize that the gel can be rapidly applied similarly to fluoride treatments and expect clinical products to emerge soon, offering new possibilities for preventing tooth decay and its associated complications. Dental experts acknowledge this as a significant advancement toward recreating natural enamel, a long-sought goal in dental materials science.