Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a protein-based gel that can literally regrow tooth enamel — something long believed to be impossible. According to a new study in Nature Communications, the gel pulls calcium and phosphate ions from saliva and reorganizes them into fresh enamel crystals that bond naturally to the tooth. In lab tests on real human teeth, this new enamel created a strong protective layer in just one week, continuing to harden over the following weeks.
What makes this breakthrough even more exciting is how durable the new enamel proved to be. It survived tests that mimicked chewing, brushing, and even exposure to acidic drinks. Human clinical trials are set for early 2026, and a startup, Mintech-Bio, is already preparing the technology for real-world use. If all goes well, we may soon enter a future where cavities are repaired naturally — no drills, no fillings, no pain. A true revolution in dental care.
