The 6-step review process
Product purchase at retail
We buy every product with our own funds — directly from the brand's official site or a major retailer (Amazon, Walmart, Target). We never accept free samples, PR boxes, or discounted test units. This removes the single largest source of affiliate bias.
Ingredient & dose verification
We cross-reference the printed label against the official supplement facts panel and manufacturer COA (Certificate of Analysis) when available. Active ingredient doses are checked against clinically effective ranges published in peer-reviewed trials.
Third-party testing audit
We verify third-party certifications (NSF, USP, Informed Choice, ConsumerLab, Clean Label Project) and request lab reports where applicable. Products without any independent verification are flagged and scored lower.
Clinical evidence review
Every health claim is cross-referenced against PubMed, Cochrane, and NIH databases. We prioritize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses over observational studies and industry-funded research. When evidence is weak or contradictory, we say so.
90-day user outcome testing
For oral probiotics and supplements where onset takes weeks, we conduct a minimum 90-day use period with clear baseline documentation: gum bleeding index, breath score, sensitivity, plaque levels, and subjective symptoms. Results are photographed and logged daily.
Independent user sentiment aggregation
We aggregate real-user feedback from Trustpilot, Reddit (r/Dentistry, r/Supplements, r/Biohackers), Amazon verified reviews, and the Better Business Bureau. Complaints about customer service, shipping, auto-ship traps, and refund policies are scored separately from product efficacy.
Scoring criteria
Each product is scored across five pillars on a 1-10 scale:
- Ingredient quality & dosing — Are active ingredients at clinically effective doses? Are strains or forms (e.g., Vitamin K2 MK-7 vs MK-4) the research-backed versions?
- Clinical evidence — Is the formula backed by RCTs, or just marketing claims?
- Third-party verification — Is the product independently tested for identity, potency, and contaminants?
- User outcomes — Do real users report the advertised benefits in verified reviews?
- Value & buying experience — Is the price competitive for the formula? Is the refund policy honest?
What disqualifies a product
Some products are automatically excluded from our rankings regardless of ingredients:
- Dishonest marketing (e.g., claiming to "reverse periodontitis" when no supplement can)
- Aggressive auto-ship enrollment without clear disclosure
- Pattern of refund refusal despite money-back guarantee claims
- FDA warning letters or safety recalls
- Undisclosed proprietary blends hiding sub-therapeutic doses
Update cadence
Every review is re-audited at least every 90 days. When a brand reformulates, changes pricing, or a new clinical study lands, we update the content and the "Last Updated" date at the top of the page.
Corrections policy
We make mistakes. If you spot a factual error, missed study, or outdated claim, email info@oralhealthhq.com. Corrections are applied within 5 business days and noted at the bottom of the affected article.