In the age of social media and online consumer options, choices in most stores’ oral care aisles seem endless and confusing. Fueled by disruptions caused by COVID-19, a transformative shift in consumer awareness is underway as people educate themselves about product labels and ingredients. For a growing number of consumers, this info has become just as important as the products themselves.
When it comes to food, we have become adept at reading labels that tell us about the product’s growth, ingredients, and processing methods. Labels like Fairtrade, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project, Paleo-Friendly, Keto, and GF provide vital information about what we consume. These labels inform us about the use of chemicals like glyphosate, the organic certification of processing facilities, and the absence of allergens such as gluten, nuts, dairy, and soy.
However, this level of scrutiny does not always extend to oral care products. While entities such as the USDA and FDA conduct rigorous testing to ensure the safety of these products, they do not necessarily focus on the quality of the materials being sourced for consumer consumption.
As dental hygienists, we prioritize evidence-based practice and are keenly aware of the importance of recommending safe and effective products. But those of us who lean toward a more holistic approach are always searching for products devoid of artificial dyes and filled with ingredients derived from plants with healing and medicinal properties.
This brings me to my strong endorsement of GuruNanda’s coconut oil pulling products and their core beliefs surrounding the ingredients they use. I had the privilege of interviewing Puneet Nanda, also known as Dr. Fresh, of GuruNanda on our podcast, Hygiene Elevated: Conversation & Innovations. I was deeply moved by Puneet’s commitment to quality oral hygiene products. His mantra, “If I don’t touch the soil, I don’t buy the oil,” resonated profoundly with me.
Many of the ingredients sourced by GuruNanda come from the Global Farm Alliance, where source ingredients are grown in their native soils. By allowing these source ingredients to flourish in their natural habitats, there is no need for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). And GuruNanda’s commitment to quality ingredients extends beyond business—it is a personal commitment to the global consumer community they serve.
In conclusion, as dental professionals, we have a responsibility to recommend products that are safe and effective, but the high-quality ingredients in some products put them on another level. GuruNanda’s dedication to sourcing high-quality, natural ingredients makes them a standout choice for anyone seeking a holistic approach to oral hygiene.
Editor's note: This article appeared in the June 2024 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
Amanda Hale, BS, RDH, is a seasoned hygienist with more than 15 years of experience and excels in patient care and digital marketing. Through her YouTube channel, The Curvy Scaler, she promotes dental hygiene and small businesses. As social media director at Hygiene Elevated, Amanda cohosts a podcast and launched a hygiene apparel line. Her blend of clinical expertise and digital savvy makes her a leader in the field, inspiring colleagues and patients alike.
