Breakthrough Dental Gel Shows Promise in Regenerating Tooth Enamel, Perhaps Eliminating Cavities
Nottingham, UK – A newly developed gel is demonstrating the potential to regenerate tooth enamel and even reverse early stages of decay, offering a revolutionary approach to dental care. Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a gel that adheres to teeth for weeks, utilizing calcium and phosphate to stimulate the growth of new enamel crystals - even on severely worn teeth where the underlying dentine is exposed.
Currently, roughly 50% of the global population suffers from dental problems linked to enamel degradation. Conventional dental treatments frequently enough focus on repairing damage after it occurs, such as fillings or crowns. This new technology, however, aims to proactively rebuild enamel, addressing the root cause of cavities and potentially eliminating the need for invasive procedures. The research, led by Dr. Abshar Hasan, represents a meaningful step toward a future where tooth decay is not a chronic issue, but a reversible condition.
The gel works by mimicking the natural structure of enamel, promoting the organized growth of crystals to restore the tooth’s protective layer. “Dental enamel has a unique structure, which gives enamel its remarkable properties that protect our teeth throughout life against physical, chemical and thermal insults,” explained Dr.hasan. “When our material is applied to demineralized or eroded enamel, or exposed dentine, the material promotes the growth of crystals in an integrated and organized manner, recovering the architecture of our natural, healthy enamel.”
The technology is designed for ease of use and scalability, according to Dr. Amer Mata, who has founded the startup mintech-bio to bring the gel to market. Mata anticipates the first product will be available following a clinical trial, with a projected launch next year. He described the technology as “safe, can be easily and rapidly applied, and it is scalable.”
