ADA Seal of Approval: What it means and why it’s important
With all of the different dental care products on the store shelves, we know that it can be difficult to decide on what is the best for you and your family. Luckily, the ADA Seal of Approval can make it easier for you!
What is the ADA? The American Dental Association is the nation’s largest dental association that represents more than 157,000 dentist members. They are the leading source of oral health related information for dentals and patients. For more than 125 years, the ADA has focused on their mission for improved oral health by promoting the safety and effectiveness of dental products.
The ADA seal of approval certifies over 300 oral care products, including toothpastes, dental floss, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, denture adherents and chewing gum. As customers, this seal represents a symbol of safety and effectiveness.
The ADA has stringent requirements that the products must meet in order to receive an ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal is never sold, and is designed to help customers know that the claims made on the label of the products are truthful.
How does the ADA determine if a product qualities for the ADA Seal?
• Submit ingredient lists • Conduct clinical trials within the ADA’s strict guidelines and procedures • Supply objective data from studies that support the products safety, effectiveness, and promotional claims • Provide evidence that manufacturing and laboratory facilities are adequate • Submit product packaging for review
Not all dental products qualify for the seal of approval. Companies that seek the ADA Seal of Approval must: • Submit ingredient lists • Conduct clinical trials within the ADA’s strict guidelines and procedures • Supply objective data from studies that support the products safety, effectiveness, and promotional claims • Provide evidence that manufacturing and laboratory facilities are adequate • Submit product packaging for review
The ADA seal is awarded for a five-year period. Companies must reapply to continue using the seal. However if the composition of a product changes, the company must resubmit the above.
The ADA employees approximately 100 consultants that review and declare oral care safe, effective, and worthy of the ADA Seal. Consultants represent positions from varying positions in the dental health field, from production, dental materials, microbiology, pharmacy, toxicology, and chemistry. Since 2005, the ADA only distributes the Seal of Approvals to consumer products, but also produces an evaluation newsletter for dental professionals.
Why is this important for you?
In order to make an informed decision n about the dental hygiene products you use, you should not only look for the ADA Seal of Approval, but you also look at the claims that the oral health product makes. Whenever you are inspecting a product that has an ADA Seal of Approval, be sure to look for the statement, “The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs’ Acceptance of (product name) is based on the finding that the product is effective in helping to prevent and reduce tooth decay, when used as directed.”
If you have any questions or concerns about whether you are properly caring for your teeth, schedule an appointment and we can help guide you to healthier teeth! Contact us today, at info@myfortmyersdentist.com or call us at 239-936-0597.
