About the ADA Seal of Acceptance
When you’re at Meijer cruising down the dental care aisle, it’s kind of mind boggling the number of choices in every category, but particularly toothpaste. When we were kids (at least if you’re over 50), it seems there were only one or two offerings from the few toothpaste companies out there.
Regular and mint.
Today, you could get lost in the aisle. That’s a good thing for choice, but it can be confusing when it comes to knowing what information is important in those choices. Dr. Egger tells his patients to look for two things: fluoride and the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.
Just what is that ADA thing? Let’s get into that in this pre-Easter bunny blog.
What is the ADA?
The American Dental Association was founded in 1859 when dental care probably wasn’t at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Twenty-six dentists were meeting in Niagara Falls, New York and decided dentistry needed a professional society. The goal was to promote high professional standards and support scientific research in dentistry.
The ADA waited awhile to publish information for the public. Its first dental education pamphlet was released in 1908. It recommended brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing regularly, and twice-yearly dentist visits. Some things never change.
About the Seal
The ADA Seal of Acceptance is backed by science. Every product that receives the ADA Seal has been scientifically evaluated by independent experts to be safe and effective. In many cases, getting the ADA Seal means a manufacturer has to meet higher standards than are required by law. If a product doesn’t meet these standards, there is no middle ground — it will not receive the Seal of Acceptance.
More than Toothpaste
The ADA puts its seal on way more than just toothpaste and toothbrushes. It also puts its Seal of Acceptance on power toothbrushes, water flossers, whitening strips, even specialty toothpastes to prevent enamel erosion from dietary acids. You’ll find the ADA Seal on water filters in the kitchen and mouthguards for sports.
If you’re here now, you may have seen our past blogs where Dr. Egger recommended the new electric toothbrushes that have received ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Now you’re an expert on the ADA and choosing the right toothpaste and other dental products. If it’s time for your next checkup with us, call Dr. Egger at (989) 773-3560.