Over-the-Counter Dental Products
An introduction to the issue.
By Peter L. Jacobsen, PhD, DDS, and
Thomas Schiff, DMD
Article copyright 1998 Journal of the California Dental Association.
Over-the-counter dental products have captured the hearts, minds and mouths of the American public. The products and the advertising and research that goes into them shape the way the American public perceives oral health. In many ways, product advertising creates dental needs, then proceeds to fill them.
For most of this century, the profession of dentistry was the only scientific and professional resource for the American public. Commercial products fell in the "buyer beware" category. That all changed in 1960 when Procter & Gamble submitted studies on Crest toothpaste with fluoride to the American Dental Association. It received the ADA Seal of Approval for its efficacy in fighting dental decay.
Since that time, industry has led the way in scientific research on a vast array of over-the-counter dental products. The research has developed a range of efficacious products to treat a number of oral problems and diseases. Products are available to manage dental hypersensitivity, dental decay, tarter buildup, teeth staining, halitosis, dry mouth and a variety of other oral needs and desires. Most recently, Colgate has introduced a toothpaste containing Triclosan, which received the ADA Seal of Acceptance for its antigingivitis effect.
Patients turn to the dental professional for information about their
oral health and the products available to treat various oral health needs
and desires. This issue of the Journal of the California Dental Association
contains a variety of articles relevant to the over-the-counter dental
product market. Some articles will provide specific recommendations to
treat specific diseases. Others provide an education about efficacious
ingredients that may be available in a broad range of products.
We hope the information in these articles proves to be useful, and we thank
the authors for sharing their expertise with the readers of the CDA
Journal.
