New gel may repair tooth enamel

Researchers at the University of Nottingham in the UK have developed a protein based gel that may help rebuild damaged tooth enamel within a few weeks.

The early research could offer a new approach to protecting and repairing teeth by helping the enamel restore itself in a way similar to its natural development.

How does the gel work?

The gel is designed to copy the natural process through which tooth enamel forms. When applied to damaged areas it works with calcium and phosphate in saliva to encourage new, organized crystals to grow on the tooth surface.

Stronger repaired enamel

In laboratory tests enamel treated with the gel showed resistance to everyday stresses such as brushing chewing and exposure to acidic foods.

The researchers reported that the repaired enamel behaved in ways similar to healthy enamel.  The approach may also help reduce tooth sensitivity.

More than cavity repair

The potential use of the gel may extend beyond small cavities and surface damage. Researchers say it could also be useful when dentin the layer beneath enamel becomes exposed.

This may help reduce sensitivity and could potentially improve the way future dental restorations bond with natural teeth.

When could it be available?

The research, published in Nature Communications is still at the development stage. Reports suggest the team hopes the technology could reach the market by

late 2026 or 2027.

However further research testing and regulatory approvals would be needed before it could become available for routine dental use.

The researchers say the gel is designed to be safe for people of different ages but its effectiveness and safety in wider real world use will need to be confirmed through further testing.