What Is the ADA Seal?
If you are a regular reader of this blog, you often see the advice to brush your teeth using a toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Or you’ll read, again and again, to floss every day using a dental floss recommended by the ADA. And the same goes for toothpaste, we advise you to brush your teeth gently using an ADA approved brand.
What is the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance? Some facts about that seal come from the ADA website itself:
“The ADA recently conducted a survey of a nationally representative sample of consumers on how they viewed the ADA Seal. The results are quite interesting—63% of consumers responded that the ADA Seal on a product simplifies their purchasing decision, 73% said they preferred products with the Seal, and 69% said they would pay more for an oral care product that displays the Seal. They recognize the Seal as a symbol of safety and effectiveness—it takes the guesswork out of purchasing.”
How does a dental product acquire the ADA seal? The manufacturers must submit the product for review by ADA experts, and it must meet certain criteria and standards. Those standards include clinical and/or lab studies that prove its effectiveness and safety. The product must contain FDA-approved ingredients, be manufactured in a way that insures uniformity and purity, and come in packaging that does not make false claims.
It might be surprising to find out that there is an initial fee and yearly costs to keep that seal displayed on a particular product. So while the seal guarantees safe and effective ingredients, not having the seal does not necessarily mean a certain product is harmful for you and your family. Although you can use the ADA website to search the database of accepted items, please feel free to bring in any dental products you may have questions about to your next appointment. Even some products with the seal might not be the best selection for your specific circumstances. The knowledgeable dentists at the Placerville Dental Group can help you decide if they are good choice for your dental needs.
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