Rebuilding tooth enamel: Scientists at the University of Nottingham and collaborators say they’ve developed a protein-based gel that can regrow enamel-like mineral on teeth, potentially shifting how dentists treat erosion and sensitivity.
Applied much like an in-clinic fluoride varnish, the gel forms a thin coating that seeps into worn areas and acts as a scaffold, pulling calcium and phosphate from saliva to rebuild enamel through epitaxial mineralisation, new crystals that fuse seamlessly with existing tooth tissue.
“Dental enamel has a unique structure that protects teeth throughout life,” said lead author Dr Abshar Hasan. “When our material is applied to demineralised enamel or exposed dentine, it promotes crystal growth in an organised manner, recovering the architecture of healthy enamel.”
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In ex vivo tests on extracted human molars, researchers etched enamel or dentine to mimic erosion, applied a single coat of the elastin-like recombinamer (ELR) gel, and immersed the teeth in saliva-like solutions. Over ~10 days, fluorapatite nanocrystals formed within the gel, aligning with the underlying enamel. Electron microscopy confirmed continuous lattice alignment; nano-indentation showed hardness and elasticity approaching natural enamel. After simulated wear, electric-toothbrush abrasion, chewing, grinding, and acid challenges, treated areas displayed equal or greater resistance than intact enamel. Results remained in both artificial and real human saliva.
The team notes global need: enamel erosion contributes heavily to tooth decay, and current care (fluoride, fillings, bonding) can’t regenerate lost enamel. “The technology is safe, quick to apply and scalable,” said senior author Prof. Alvaro Mata, adding that a Nottingham spin-out, Mintech-Bio, is pursuing product development.
Experiments were conducted outside the body under controlled conditions; the regenerated layer, only a few micrometres thick, is thinner than natural enamel, and long-term durability in the mouth is unknown. Clinical trials will be needed before the gel can reach dental practices.
The study appears in Nature Communications.
