Scientists 'excited' by gel to repair tooth enamel

The research team behind the gel said they hope to have a product based on it available next year

A new gel that can help repair and regenerate tooth enamel could create "new possibilities" for treatment, scientists behind its development have said.

Specialists from the University of Nottingham's school of pharmacy and department of chemical and environmental engineering have been working with researchers across the world to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.

The protein-based substance "works by mimicking key features" used to make enamel develop in infants, the university said, acting "as a scaffold" for calcium and phosphate ions in saliva.

Full findings from the research have been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications.

Electron microscopy images of a tooth with demineralised enamel show eroded apatite crystals (left) and a similar tooth after two weeks of treatment

According to the World Health Organisation, about 3.7 billion people suffer from oral diseases, with enamel degradation a major factor.

Problems that can occur as a result of enamel decay include infections, increased sensitivity and tooth loss, which can be linked to more serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Though current treatments such as fluoride varnishes can relieve symptoms, enamel does not naturally regenerate.

Prof Alvaro Mata, chair in biomedical engineering and biomaterials who led the study, said the new substance "can be easily and rapidly applied".

"We are very excited because the technology has been designed with the clinician and patient in mind," he said.

"[We] hope to have a first product out next year [and] this innovation could soon be helping patients worldwide."

Paul Hatton, a professor of biomaterials science at the school of clinical dentistry in Sheffield and member of the British Dental Association's health and science committee, said: "Recreating natural enamel to repair teeth has been something of a 'Holy Grail' for dental materials scientists for many years, where this paper suggests an exciting breakthrough has been made."