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Science

Scientists create a gel that could regrow tooth enamel

The University of Nottingham treatment uses minerals from saliva to rebuild enamel — something the body cannot do on its own.

BrieflyTold Desk · · 1 min brief

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The brief

  • ■Enamel, unlike bone, cannot naturally regenerate once lost
  • ■The gel mimics the biological process that forms enamel in childhood
  • ■Findings published in Nature Communications

Why it matters

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems on Earth — a repair gel could change dentistry for billions of people.

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a gel that could regrow lost tooth enamel, potentially overcoming one of dentistry's biggest limitations.

The material is inspired by the biological processes that form enamel during early childhood. It harnesses minerals naturally found in saliva to rebuild the protective layer, and the regenerated enamel behaves much like healthy enamel.

Dentists could apply the gel directly to teeth. The researchers say it could repair damage, prevent decay and reduce sensitivity — a new generation of treatment beyond simply protecting what enamel remains.

Sources

  • ScienceDaily
  • Nature Communications

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