Octopus-inspired dentures developed by scientists could help millions with missing teeth

Octopus-inspired fake teeth might seem like something plucked straight from a sci-fi film. However, researchers are now suggesting that these eight-limbed creatures could hold the solution for individuals with missing teeth, thanks to their squishy tentacle suckers.

The King's College London academics sought to address a common frustration among denture wearers, specifically regarding their ability to stay in place. Known as 'retention', this issue sees many people buying supermarket adhesives and glues to stop their false teeth from falling out, but it's generally disliked.

Looking to nature for inspiration, the team then began to consider whether the 'suction cups' of an octopus could be the key to keeping these teeth secure. These marine creatures use their suckers to create a watertight seal, enabling them to carry out tasks or attach themselves to rocks and even prey.

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Impressively, the team managed to mimic this effect using 3D-printed models of upper and lower dentures. They claimed these models had 'twice the amount of retention as normal dentures', yet could still be easily removed.

Lead author Dr Sherif Elsharkawy, said: "Having worked with denture wearers, who I often see in clinic, for several years, I really wanted to improve their experiences. I first had the idea to replicate sticky surfaces in nature while biting into a peach. I noticed how the furry skin stuck to the palate of my mouth and decided to investigate other sticky surfaces in nature. Octopus suckers seemed like the perfect place to start.

"This research bridges nature and technology to tackle a long-standing challenge for denture wearers. By mimicking the ingenious adhesive strategies found in octopus suction cups, we have developed a prototype that offers improved grip and comfort in even the most demanding oral environments. Our findings pave the way for a new generation of dentures that can transform the quality of life for millions worldwide."

The World Health Organisation has estimated that complete tooth loss affects 7% of people aged 20 or above, and 23% of those over 60. Aside from tentacles, the team also investigated additional methods beyond tentacles to secure plastic dentures.

They revealed that a thin, invisible lining of the keratin - being the protein found in our skin and hair - may also help with retention. This is primarily because it chemically bonds with the keratin found in the skin of the mouth.

Dr Eda Dzinovic, researcher in dental materials, King’s College London, added: "This work showcases the power of 'biomimicry' in solving real-world medical challenges. It’s inspiring to see how insights from nature, combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, can lead to innovations that improve both functionality and patient satisfaction.

"Contributing to this project has been an incredible opportunity to push the boundaries of dental material science."