The Nigerian Dental Association (NDA) has sounded a stern warning over the rising wave of false oral health information circulating on social media, urging Nigerians to seek guidance only from certified professionals.
In a statement released Tuesday in Abuja, the NDA President, Dr. Emedom Elias, alongside Secretary-General Dr. Franklin Abhulimen and Chairman of the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, Dr. Victor Nwabudike, decried what they described as a disturbing trend of misinformation being pushed by individuals posing as dental experts.
The Association said the alert became imperative following repeated instances of “unverified claims, outright falsehoods and misleading oral health information” shared online by self-styled practitioners lacking proper credentials.
“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 read.
Debunking the claim, the NDA declared that the information being circulated was “false, misleading and not supported by any clinical, scientific or regulatory evidence.”
The body explained that the coloured squares or rectangular markings found at the sealed ends of toothpaste tubes—often misrepresented in viral posts—are technically referred to 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 these markings bear no relationship to a product’s ingredients, safety profile, or composition.
“They are not a yardstick to establish whether a product is chemical or natural,” it added.
Beyond the toothpaste tube myth, the NDA also tackled renewed allegations surrounding fluoride in toothpaste. It noted that some individuals had previously alleged—without any scientific backing—that fluoride causes cancer.
According to the Association, fluoride levels and other toothpaste components are strictly regulated to meet approved concentration limits and must comply with safety standards established by relevant health authorities before reaching consumers.
The NDA disclosed that its products committee routinely carries out biochemical assessments and clinical trials on dental products sold across Nigeria, in addition to the regulatory scrutiny conducted by appropriate government agencies to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness before registration.
Urging the public to ignore social media narratives from unauthorised sources, the Association advised Nigerians to verify dental health claims through recognised 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.
Reaffirming its commitment to sanitising the digital space, the NDA said it would continue to promote responsible communication on oral health matters to safeguard the public and preserve the integrity of the dental profession.
“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 Association warned purveyors of false dental information to halt the spread of unsubstantiated claims or risk legal action. It pledged sustained collaboration with relevant agencies, particularly law enforcement bodies, to ensure offenders are investigated and prosecuted in line with Nigerian law.
