Association warns Nigerians against fake toothpaste claims on social media

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian Dental Association has cautioned Nigerians against relying on oral health information shared by unqualified individuals on social media, describing many of such claims as false and dangerous.

The President of the association, Dr Emedom M. Elias, alongside members of its National Officers Committee in a statement on Monday,urged the public to always verify oral health information with registered dental professionals.

The association said the warning followed recurring cases of misinformation spread online by individuals posing as oral health experts without proper certification or registration.

In a recent instance, the NDA said a social media user who identified himself as a “doctor” falsely claimed that the coloured marks at the base of toothpaste tubes indicate their chemical composition and safety.

According to the claim, toothpaste with green marks was said to be natural and safe, while those with blue, red or black marks were described as dangerous.

The NDA dismissed the claim, saying it was not supported by any clinical, scientific or regulatory evidence.

It explained that the coloured squares or rectangles, known in manufacturing as “eye marks” or “colour registration marks”, are used by automated machines to align, cut and seal toothpaste tubes during production.

“These marks have nothing to do with the ingredients, safety or whether a toothpaste is natural or chemical,” the association said.

The NDA also recalled a previous viral video in which a clergyman warned against fluoride-containing toothpaste, alleging it could cause cancer.

It said such claims were misleading, stressing that fluoride and other toothpaste ingredients are strictly regulated and approved only after meeting safety standards set by relevant health authorities.

The association added that it regularly conducts biochemical analyses and clinical trials on dental products in Nigeria, in addition to regulatory oversight by government agencies.

The NDA urged Nigerians to ignore oral health advice from unauthorised persons, check for regulatory approvals, read product labels, look out for NDA endorsements and seek guidance from registered practitioners.

It warned self-acclaimed dental experts spreading false information to desist or face possible legal action, noting that it would continue to work with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.