The dental industry is shifting towards sustainability, moving away from animal-derived products
and testing due to growing ethical, environmental, and health concerns. Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), an allergic reaction to mammalian-derived ingredients like those in meats, also affects some dental products. A survey of 559 AGS patients found that 28% have reacted to mammalian ingredients in dental and surgical supplies. This highlights the importance of choosing animal-free options. While FDA testing requirements challenge the development of fully vegan dental products, options free of animal-derived ingredients are available.
Common Dental Procedures
Dental procedures play a vital role in maintaining our oral health, addressing everything from routine cleanings to more complex treatments like fillings, extractions, and root canals. As awareness of the ingredients in dental care grows, more people are seeking alternatives that align with their health needs and preferences, particularly when it comes to avoiding animal-derived components.
Some of the most common procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
Teeth Cleaning | Preventative measures to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. Recommended semi-annually. |
Teeth Whitening | To lighten stained or discolored teeth. |
Tooth Extractions | Removal of a tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or impacted (such as wisdom teeth). |
Dental Fillings | Used to treat cavities (dental caries) and repair decayed, damaged, or cracked teeth. |
Dental Crowns (Caps) | To cover and protect a weak tooth, cracked, or has had a root canal, or to improve the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth. |
Root Canal Treatment | To save a tooth that is infected or severely decayed by removing the damaged pulp (nerve and tissue inside the tooth). |
Common Dental Materials and Medications Containing Animal-Derived Ingredients
With each procedure, there is a chance of encountering animal-derived components. Below are some materials and medications commonly used in dental procedures that may contain animal-derived ingredients.
Materials & Medications | Commonly Used For | Potential Animal-derived Ingredients |
Prophy paste | Teeth cleaning | Casein-bases, beeswax, or glycerin |
Dental floss | Teeth cleaning | Beeswax, glycerin, or silk floss |
Teeth cleaning | Glycerin or calcium phosphate | |
Carbamide Peroxide - based whitening gel | Teeth whitening | Urea |
Desensitizing gel | Teeth whitening | Glycerin or calcium phosphate |
Sutures (dissolvable or non-dissolvable) | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Silk or catgut (from sheep or goat intestine) |
Local anesthetics | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, glycerin |
Desensitizing agents | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Glycerin or calcium phosphate |
Antibiotics | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal Treatment | Lactose or gelatin |
Pain relievers | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Lactose or gelatin |
Antiseptic mouthwash | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Glycerin, lanolin, or gelatin |
Bone grafts (xenografts) | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Porcine (pig) or Bovine (cow) |
Dental Impression Binding Material | Tooth Extractions, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns (Caps), Root Canal | Gelatin |
Please note: Ingredients highlighted in yellow may be derived from either animal or plant/synthetic-sources.
Vegan-friendly Dental Products
Below are some animal-free products that can support your journey to a healthier smile. The following list is for reference and is not exhaustive. If you'd like our team to verify whether a specific product is animal-free, please reach out.
Animal-Free Alternative Options |
Antibiotics (Endocarditis prophylaxis)* |
|
Antiseptic Mouthwash |
Carbamide Peroxide-Based Whitening Gel |
|
Dental Floss |
|
Desensitizing Gel |
|
Local Anesthetics* |
|
Pain Relievers* |
|
Prophy Paste |
|
Sutures (dissolvable or non-dissolvable) |
|
*Product specific, send our team a message to assist you in determining which exact NDCs are animal-free
Conclusion
Opting for animal-free dental products offers many benefits. Plant-based and synthetic alternatives can be a gentler choice for those with sensitivities and allergies, often reducing the risk of potential reactions and irritations. Additionally, these alternatives are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly. By conducting your own research, you're taking a step toward ensuring safer, gentler treatment for your oral health. It is highly beneficial to consult your dental practitioner for the best products aligning with your needs. If you need help determining whether their products are animal-free, our team is here to assist!
Co-authored by: Desiree Ewell, Ferrand Cabuhat, Mansi Patel
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients!
As a reminder, please comment on our FDA Citizen Petition, requesting clear labeling of animal-derived ingredients in medications. Together, we can make a difference.
If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!
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