Practical guide

How to Read Oral-Health Supplement Claims

Learn the difference between structure/function language, disease claims and evidence-backed statements.

Structure/function vs disease claims

FDA guidance distinguishes statements about supporting normal body structure or function from claims to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent disease.

Words that deserve scrutiny

“Cures,” “reverses,” “treats,” “prevents,” and claims that a supplement replaces therapy can indicate disease-claim territory.

Evidence still matters

Even permitted structure/function language should be truthful and not misleading. A disclaimer is not a license to make unsupported claims.