What’s the Scoop on the ADA?

In the United States we are truly fortunate to have such a variety of choices when it comes to shopping for products to take care of our oral health. But sometimes, along with those choices, it can be overwhelming to decide which products actually work and live up to the claims made on the packaging. Whether you are looking for dental floss, a toothbrush, or mouthwash, how can you know what actually works without trial and error and possibly wasting your money in the process?

This is where the ADA (American Dental Association) comes to our rescue. This association helps consumers like us find oral health products that actually do what they claim to do. The ADA has essentially done the research for us, and in the process has given over 300 dental products their Seal of Acceptance. Why is this important? The ADA seal means the product has not only been rigorously tested and found to be safe, but it actually works like it claims to on the packaging. Buyers can find this seal on everything from toothpaste to denture products to chewing gum, and know that they work.

But what do you know about the ADA itself? How reliable is this source? The ADA is a patient-centered, science-based and ethically-driven association having done extensive research on all products carrying its Seal of Acceptance, and receives no payment for its endorsements.
It even has a code of ethics for the dentists who belong to the association, specifically that they: 1) promise to do no harm, 2) always do good and 3) to treat patients fairly and honestly. The ADA sets the bar for how dental products and technologies should be defined, how they should perform, and how the products and technologies should work together.

Not only that, but the ADA develops the standard for dental products in the United States and participates in international standards development too. ADA standards are so high that companies carrying the seal are often asked to meet standards that are even higher than what the law itself requires.

Because the ADA scientifically evaluates products to ensure that the product is safe to use and effective you can be sure that the product does what it claims to be able to do on the packaging. So the next time you need to find a dental product to help you maintain your oral health, browse with certainty for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to schedule your next dental visit, please call Dr. Miller’s dental team at 972-298-6131 today.