Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a new protein-based gel that can repair and regrow tooth enamel, giving teeth the power to heal themselves for the first time. The new gel is made without fluoride and works by copying the natural process that forms enamel when we are young.
Normally, enamel cannot grow back once it is damaged, but this bioinspired gel changes that. It mimics the proteins that guide enamel growth and helps rebuild the surface of the tooth layer by layer. Unlike fluoride treatments that only slow down decay, this gel can actually restore the enamel and make teeth stronger again.
The researchers explained that the gel works by attracting calcium and phosphate from saliva. These minerals are essential for building healthy teeth. Through a process called epitaxial mineralization, the gel helps new enamel crystals grow in a very organized way, just like natural enamel.
Once applied, it seeps into small cracks and holes in the teeth and forms a thin but very strong layer. Over time, this new enamel behaves almost exactly like the real thing, even after brushing, chewing, and eating acidic foods.
Dr. Abshar Hasan, the lead researcher at the University of Nottingham, said, “Dental enamel has a unique structure that gives our teeth the strength to last for many years. When our material is applied to eroded or exposed enamel, it promotes the growth of crystals in an organized way, rebuilding the architecture of our natural, healthy enamel.”
The research team took inspiration from nature itself. During early tooth development, specific proteins guide the growth of enamel. The scientists recreated that process using a synthetic protein material called elastin-like recombinamer.
When placed on a damaged tooth, this gel acts like a scaffold that encourages new enamel growth. It can even help repair exposed dentine, the layer under the enamel, which often causes tooth sensitivity. This means the gel could also help people who suffer from sensitive teeth or weakened enamel.
The results of the study were visible under electron microscopes. Before treatment, eroded enamel crystals looked rough and damaged, but after two weeks of applying the gel, the crystals had regrown and looked almost identical to natural enamel. The regenerated layer fused perfectly with the tooth surface, creating a seamless repair that was impossible to see with the naked eye.
Tooth enamel erosion affects nearly half of the world’s population and is one of the most common dental problems today. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3.7 billion people suffer from some form of oral disease.
Enamel loss can lead to cavities, infections, and even serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Currently, no treatment can regrow lost enamel; most dental care options only help manage symptoms or prevent further damage.
Dr. Hasan added, “We tested the mechanical properties of the regenerated enamel under real-life conditions such as brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods. We found that the new enamel behaves just like healthy enamel.”
The study was led by the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. The findings were published in Nature Communications.
Professor Alvaro Mata, Chair in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials, said, “We are very excited because the technology was designed with both clinicians and patients in mind. It is safe, easy to apply, and scalable. This means it can be used by dentists everywhere without needing special equipment.”
He also said, “The technology is very flexible, and we can turn it into many types of dental care products to help patients of all ages. We have started this process with our startup company Mintech-Bio and hope to have the first product available by next year. This innovation could soon be helping people around the world.”
The team has already started moving the gel toward real-world use. Their company, Mintech-Bio, plans to release the product for dental clinics as early as next year. Dentists may soon apply the gel during regular visits, much like fluoride varnish treatments used today.
Professor Mata summed it up, “This is only the beginning. We believe this technology can completely change how we think about dental care and bring us closer to a future where teeth can heal themselves.”
