Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a dental gel that can regrow tooth enamel, potentially revolutionizing dental care. The gel, described in Nature Communications, mimics natural enamel formation by using proteins to draw calcium and phosphate from saliva and guide the growth of new mineral crystals that align with existing tooth structure. Unlike fluoride treatments, this gel contains no fluoride and can be applied quickly. It not only repairs damaged enamel but also helps with exposed dentine, reducing sensitivity. The researchers, led by Professor Alvaro Mata and Dr. Abshar Hasan, tested the regenerated enamel under brushing, chewing, and acidic conditions, finding it behaves like healthy enamel. The team has launched start-up Mintech-Bio and hopes to have a first product available by next year. Given that enamel damage affects nearly 50% of the global population and is linked to broader health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, this could be a game-changer - assuming it doesn't just make our teeth harder to break during inevitably awkward dentist conversations.