5 Questions to Ask Before Recommending Products for Your Patients

Did you know the average patient spends 30 hours a year cleaning their teeth? Only a few of those hours are spent in the dental chair. The rest of the time, patients are at home on their own.

As you know, every patient is unique, so one treatment plan won’t fit all mouths. Once you and your patient have agreed on the best next steps, empower them to take care of their oral health with the right dental tools to make good home care happen.

The Right Products for the Plan

How will you choose which products to recommend? Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Because all products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated and proven to be safe and effective, you’ll save time and can have confidence in the product suggestions you share.

Here are five questions to ask yourself before recommending ADA Seal products for your patients:

1. Does this patient have tools they will actually use for daily brushing? Your patient’s chances of compliance increase if they are using dental products they like and are comfortable with. Take some time to figure out their preferences. There are many Seal-Accepted options to choose from.
2. Does this patient have trouble cleaning between their teeth? In this case, think about which interdental tool will work well, based on the patient’s abilities and lifestyle. For example, would a water device be better than regular dental floss?
3. Does this patient face high risks for gum disease? If so, they could benefit from a mouth rinse or toothpaste with proven antimicrobial effects. Antiseptic mouthwashes and pastes that fight plaque and gingivitis are great choices.
4. Does this patient have an elevated risk for cavities? A mouth rinse with added fluoride may give this patient an extra level of protection
5. Does this patient have a lot of plaque? For this individual, a power toothbrush could make a difference in reducing risks for cavities and gingivitis, especially if they have trouble brushing on their own.

For a complete list of products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, visit ADA.org/ADASeal.