The Nigerian Dental Association has urged greater responsibility in the use of social media, cautioning the public against relying on oral health information circulated by unauthorised individuals.

The president of the NDA, Emedom Elias, issued the call in a statement co-signed by the association’s secretary-general, Franklin Abhulimen, and the chairman of its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Victor Nwabudike, on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the association, the warning became necessary following recurring cases of unverified claims, outright falsehoods and misleading oral health information circulated online by self-acclaimed dental practitioners.

“Just recently, someone who identified himself as ‘DOCTOR’, with no proof of his certification or registration with the council, misled the public on the design of toothpaste tubes,” the statement said.

The NDA stated that the information being circulated was “false, misleading and not supported by any clinical, scientific or regulatory evidence”.

It clarified that the small square or rectangular marks at the sealed end of toothpaste tubes, commonly referenced in viral posts, are known in manufacturing as “eye marks” or “colour registration”.

“These are used by automated packaging machines to detect where the tubes should be cut and sealed during production,” it explained. “The marks also ensure proper alignment during packaging and guide sensors in high-speed production lines.”

The association stressed that the coloured marks have nothing to do with the ingredients or constituents of the toothpaste and do not determine product safety.

“They are not a yardstick to establish whether a product is chemical or natural,” it added.

The NDA also addressed recurring misconceptions regarding fluoride in toothpaste, noting that some individuals had previously claimed, without evidence, that fluoride could cause cancer.

It stated that fluoride and other constituents of toothpaste are meticulously regulated to ensure compliance with recommended concentrations and must meet safety standards set by relevant health authorities before approval for public use.

According to the NDA, its products committee regularly conducts biochemical analyses and clinical trials on dental products available in Nigeria. It noted that this exercise is without prejudice to the regulatory oversight provided by relevant government agencies responsible for evaluating such products for safety, quality and efficacy prior to approval and registration.

The NDA urged the public to disregard social media posts by unauthorised persons and instead verify claims through proper regulatory channels.

“Look out for NDA endorsements or logo and, above all, seek professional advice from registered oral health practitioners who are bona fide members of the Nigerian Dental Association,” it advised.

The NDA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the responsible use of social media, particularly regarding oral health information.

“This is to ensure the protection of the public, registered practitioners and the integrity of the dental profession, while promoting credible, verifiable and evidence-based communication in the digital space,” it stated.

The NDA further cautioned purveyors of false dental health information to desist from spreading unverified claims or face legal consequences.

It added that the NDA would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies, especially law enforcement authorities.

(NAN)