Ask the Dentist!
ADA Seal of Acceptance: What to Know
Shopping for dental products can be a daunting task. What works? What should I use? What’s the best? All questions we ask ourselves when staring at the endless products on store shelves. One way to decide is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
The ADA (American Dental Association) conducts reviews on dental and dental related products to identify benefits that are scientifically proven to work. For a company to display the Seal, data must be submitted stating what the product claims to do and provide scientific data to support that claim. For example, if a toothpaste says that it helps with cavity prevention, dental sensitivity, enamel erosion or whitening, the company must provide research that shows it does just that.
Companies cannot use the Seal without permission from the ADA and the ADA will not give permission without sufficient proof that the product does what the manufacturer says it will do, safely and effectively. Proof must be based on science provided from laboratory tests and clinical studies supporting each oral health claim made for a product.
So, the next time you find yourself staring at the shelf wondering what to buy, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you still have questions call your dentist.