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We’ve all heard about brushing our teeth twice a day and flossing once a day as the basis for oral hygiene. But who makes these guidelines?  The American Dental Association provides a number of guidelines and daily recommendations to help you maintain the health of your mouth throughout your life.

Not all oral hygiene products are created equal. Some merely have cosmetic value. Be wary of such products, as there are many, more effective products that not only clean and whiten teeth, but also protect it from issues like gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and bad breath. Some products are meant only to feign health through surface-level treatment. So how do you know which products to choose?

To help consumers identify only the highest quality oral hygiene products, the American Dental Association (ADA) instituted their Seal of Acceptance program. Since its beginning in 1931, the seal has become the hallmark for identifying a high-quality oral hygiene product.

If a manufacturer wants to earn the ADA Seal of Acceptance for a product, they can submit the product to the ADA for testing and research. The ADA will then test the active ingredients for safety and effectiveness as part of an oral hygiene routine. If the product meets the rigorous guidelines, it will earn the right to print the Seal of Acceptance on the label. As an added convenience, the ADA also provides an index on their website of all oral hygiene products that have earned the seal.

If you would like more insight or recommendations on specific oral health products, talk to a member of our dental team at Mission Ranch Dental Aesthetics. Dr. Richard D. Guthrie and our staff will be happy to help in any way we can. Call 949-388-6325 today!