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It’s also important to check out the latest research and talk directly to manufacturers about their products and their company’s natural philosophy. “Natural” means different things to different people; there are no hard-and-fast regulations on what can be called natural and what can’t. Many natural companies offer free samples that you can try for yourself as well as give to your patients; you can also ask questions over the phone, via e-mail, or in person during the dental tradeshow exhibitions. If you take time to learn about these products, you can be a great resource for patients who may benefit from going natural. If patients find a product that isn’t harsh or that simply works for them, that can lead to better compliance and results. “If you find a product that suits you— whether it’s the taste or that the company doesn’t do animal testing, whatever speaks to you—we’re always hoping that plays into actually picking up the toothbrush a little more often,” Maguire says. “That’s the real benefit of natural. It comes back to what works for the individual.”
Read, read, read Just because the label says a product is natural, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is, Kamhi says. The product likely contains more natural ingredients than mainstream versions, but it still may have coloring, sudsing, and flavoring agents—all of which are not natural. Learn what to look for on the labels and encourage patients to do the same, says Daniel Fabricant of the Natural Products Association. “Look at the labels and understand what the compounds are and where they’re sourced from. If the label says its natural, it may just have one natural ingredient in there,” Fabricant says. He further explains the ingredient concentration is indicated by where it appears on the label, with the first listed being the most prevalent. So if the natural extract you’re looking for is toward the end of that listing, there’s not much of it in the product. The future Although the natural market is quickly becoming more sophisticated, natural still is only a small part of the overall dental market, Krinsky says, estimating it at less than 10%. But the potential is there for continued expansion. “You look at the green movement and environmental movement, which is tied to this, and it’s hard to believe people will stop caring,” Rosenzweig says. “It’s an insane upwards trend. The line is going up so fast that it’s unbelievable,” Krinsky agrees. “This is a long term trend line that’s pointing straight up.” photo: getty images
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