Faq Sections

Tongue Cleaning and Halitosis
How do I clean the stainless steel tongue cleaner?

We suggest cleaning the tongue cleaner regularly - every few weeks - by rubbing it with toothpaste (rather than a chemical cleaning agent). This helps get rid of any residue that may have built up on the stainless steel.


How soon can I expect results?

It depends on the individual condition, but the results can be instant. Certainly much of the coating gets removed immediately. It’s like washing the body. A clean body or clean tongue doesn’t smell bad.


Do many people clean their tongues in this way?

The truth is that millions of people know about it.

It is common practice in many Asian and older cultures. Tongue cleaning was also practiced by ancient Romans and by the wealthier classes in 18th and 19th century Europe. However, for some unknown reasons, the practice did not spread widely in the West.

But now, with more research verifying its benefits, and with TV and other publicity, many dentists and hygienists are recommending it. In fact, since DrTung's introduced tongue cleaning to the USA in the mid-nineties, we have become a household name in the health industry.


Do you recommend plastic or stainless steel tongue cleaners? Or even brushes?

Stainless steel doesn’t wear out and is impervious to bacteria (unlike plastic).

There are 3 basic kinds of tongue cleaners available – our U-shaped stainless steel cleaner (can be used with 1 or 2 hands); one-handed cleaners which are usually T-shaped or have rounded heads; or brushes.

We believe the U-shaped design is best as it can easily clean the back of the tongue, where most bacteria reside. Using 2 hands give precise control over the pressure and position of the cleaner. This seemingly simple design has evolved over centuries and gives precise control over the position and pressure of the cleaner on the tongue, making it easy to use and overcoming the gagging problem caused by too much pressure on the tongue (as when trying to clean it with a brush or other one-handed cleaners).

Brushes are good for applying something like paste or a viscous substance to harder surfaces, like teeth. They are generally not effective in removing such viscous substance, especially from a soft object like the tongue.


Does tongue cleaning have benefits in addition to keeping the breath fresh?

Research shows that tongue cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, remove the coating on the tongue and improve our taste perception (because the coating on the tongue dulls the taste receptors). Many people report that they get far less colds and flu. It is good for overall health!


How often should you clean your tongue?

Twice a day is usually sufficient. Most people do it upon waking and before going to bed, which helps prevent morning breath. Some people also like to clean their tongue after each meal. It only takes 10 or 15 seconds each time.


What is the best way to clean my tongue?

Although some people brush their tongue with a toothbrush, most dentists and hygienists agree that a tongue cleaner (tongue scraper) is a far better tool. Also, research shows that toothbrushes are less than half as effective in removing bio-burden from the tongue. Toothbrushes are designed for cleaning teeth. Tongue cleaners are designed to clean tongues, which are very different from teeth! A tongue cleaner such as Dr. Tung’s U-shaped cleaner is designed to gently “scrape" off the unwanted bacteria and soft plaque, even from the back of the tongue where most "bad breath" bacteria are found. Tongue scraping removes far more bacteria than tongue brushing.


Toothbrush Protection
How long does the toothbrush protector last?

Each refill lasts for 60 days, so a pack - which contains a total of 4 refills - is good for 8 months of continuous use. (One refill is already inserted in each protector cover while two are separate). Each refill is sealed, so opening one will not affect the effectiveness of the others.


What are the ingredients?

Each protector contains one or more of the following ingredients: Clove oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, lemon oil.


Are the kids' toothbrush protectors safe for children under 5 years old?

Yes, the ingredients in the protectors are safe for children of all ages. As with all smaller items that children can possibly misuse, we advise parental supervision for children under 5 years old.


Does it really work?

Yes, it really works and that is why we have patents for this unique and easy-to-use product. Inside the anti-bacterial disc are specially chosen essential oils. Active vapors from these powerful essential oils permeate toothbrush bristles safely and effectively - no mess, no fuss, dry vapor action. And remember, you can protect your toothbrush anywhere with our revolutionary Snap-On Protector - while you travel or are on-the-go.

Read these reviews.  Our Snap-On toothbrush protectors are a customer favorite and great for travel.


Perio Sticks™
What are Perio Sticks made from?

Perio Sticks are made from selected parts of the Nordic birch tree. Only a small amount of the wood from each tree has the qualities suitable for our shaped, flattened Perio Sticks - the wood must be both strong and flexible. The wood is harvested from sustainably managed forests in Scandinavia, and is not treated with dyes or flavoring.


How THIN are Perio Sticks?

Even our THIN Perio Sticks are far thinner than regular toothpicks or any dental stick available at a drugstore. The shape and thinness allows them to easily penetrate between the teeth and remove plaque and food particles. Plus, they are so comfortable you may find yourself recommending the clean feeling to your friends! Our X-THIN Perio Sticks are the thinnest sticks available anywhere and are especially useful for those with extra-tight spaces between teeth.


They seem to break easily. Am I doing something wrong?

The best technique  is to moisten the Perio Sticks in the mouth for about 30 seconds before using. They then become pliable and can bend up to 60 degrees!. Not only does this help prevent them from breaking, but it enables you to clean those hard-to-reach areas at the back of your mouth.


Are Perio Sticks eco-friendly?
Perio Sticks are made from sustainably managed Nordic Birch which is certified by The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The plastic-free paperboard packaging is made of responsibly sourced wood fiber which is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Both Perio Sticks and their packaging are naturally biodegradable.

REJUV™ for gums
How is REJUV™ for gums different from a mouthwash or rinse?

REJUV™ for gums is unique in that it’s a therapeutic oil and not a water-based solution. Being an herbalized oil REJUV is able to moisturize the mouth and help with dry mouth conditions, bind the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that give rise to bad breath, and its herbs help nourish and revitalize gum tissue.


What causes loose teeth?

Having loose teeth is obviously a sign that something is wrong - teeth are not supposed to move.

The problem could be with the gums, the bone supporting the teeth or the fibrous attachment between bone and teeth. Consult with your dentist about your specific problem.

Regardless of the cause, these teeth must be treated to prevent further problems. If not, the continued movement can accelerate the damage to the supporting bone. If your gums are swollen and bleed easily, you could have an early form of gum disease such as pyorrhea. As it worsens you might lose some teeth. So if you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums - gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and 75 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease!

Gum problems and gum disease are often the result of plaque buildup. Plaque consists of harmful bacteria which, if not removed, build up on the teeth and ultimately irritate the gums and cause bleeding. Left unchecked, bone and connective tissue are destroyed, and teeth often become loose and may have to be removed.

So preventing plaque buildup (good toothbrushing and flossing) and conditioning the gums, helps maintain good oral health and keeps teeth and gums strong. Some of the ingredients in REJUV have been used traditionally for tightening the teeth. Astringent herbs like eaglewood and ficus bengalensis contained in REJUV™ - are said to be particularly effective.

We believe that REJUV™ is the most powerful formula available for strengthening gums and helping tighten loose teeth.

“For decades my gums were ‘iffy’. In fact so bad that I had lost 2 teeth. Then I came across Dr. Tung’s REJUV™ for gums. A recent dental visit shows my gums in excellent condition.”

Harold G., San Jose, CA


What are the ingredients in REJUV™ for gums?

REJUV™ for gums is not a combination of essential oils. Its preparation is an exacting and specialized technology from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian Science of Health, whereby more than 20 complete herbs are processed – and not simply extracts or essential oils.

Using the whole part plant or herb provides an efficacious, nourishing, and balanced medicinal oil with all the traditional healing properties of the herbs themselves, such as: astringent herbs to enhance cellular secretions, sweet and tonic herbs to nourish and strengthen the tissues. The oil acts as a carrier for the rejuvenating or strengthening effect of the herbs and is absorbed by oral tissue. REJUV™ for gums contains no alcohol, sugars or artificial preservatives.

INGREDIENTS:  Sesame oil (organic), acacia nilotica*, ficus religiosa*, wild Himalayan cherry*, cardamom extract (organic), banyan tree, acacia catechu*, lodh tree*, Indian madder*, eagle wood*, Indian gall-nut*, Indian gooseberry, gmelina arborea*, long-leaved pine*, spikenard*, stone flowers, sandalwood*, woodfordia fruticosa*, deodar*, licorice*, clove*, lotus seed, lemongrass, turmeric, nutgrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, camphor.   * Wild Harvested


How do I use REJUV™ for gums?

REJUV™ for gums is easy to use and comes in a glass bottle with a Euro dropper. Any of the following methods may be used:

  1. Place a few drops on a clean finger and massage gums gently for 30–45 seconds. This allows oil to be absorbed by the gum tissue and has the added benefit of stimulating circulation.
  2. Swish 8-10 drops in mouth for 30–45 seconds.
  3. Use a clean finger (or cover finger with disposable protector) and massage gums gently with a few drops of oil.

Use 3-5x a day for best results.


Should I use it more than twice a day?

For best results use 3 or 4 times daily after eating and before bed. People who use it overnight report that they have less dry mouth and less "morning breath". Using it after eating not only helps remove sugars and food debris but also gives the therapeutic properties of the oil more time to work.


Will it help with conditions like receding or bleeding gums?

Many people have called or written to us about their good results using REJUV™ for gums to improve receding gums and bleeding gums. This formulation with 20 remarkable herbs has excellent conditioning and revitalizing effects, and offers great therapeutic possibilities for those with gum problems. It is perhaps one of the most powerful rejuvenating formulas available for gums.

You may also want to minimize factors that may contribute to receding gums, including nutritional considerations and gum trauma from “overbrushing”. The effects of prescription medications, which often cause dryness and other oral problems, must also be considered.

In addition, the bite (occlusion) is very important, and if there is improper occlusion i.e. the teeth of the upper and lower jaws do not align and contact correctly, this can add stress to certain teeth and adversely affect the gums in those areas.


Smart Floss®
Does Smart Floss remove more plaque?

Smart Floss® expands during use to create a larger surface area to disrupt plaque. It is therefore no surprise that research shows that Smart Floss removes up to 55% more plaque than leading floss types.  The few minutes you spend flossing can be more productive when using Smart Floss. Why use anything less effective?


Is Smart Floss eco-friendly?

Smart Floss® is one of the most eco-friendly, effective dental flosses available.

Container: Smart Floss® is now in plastic-free FSC certified paperboard packaging which can be easily recycled.

Wax: To ensure comfortable flossing and to keep the fibers performing effectively, we use a small amount of a vegetable and bees wax blend. To this we add our acclaimed cardamom oil aroma. We do not use petrochemical waxes or artificial flavors.

Floss material: Like many flosses, Smart Floss® is made of polyester fibers. Unlike other flosses, Smart Floss® is made in a proprietary, patented process which gives that softer, expanded effect while flossing. This makes it up to 55% more effective in removing plaque. Why don't we use a natural material, such as silk or cotton? We have opted not to use silk due to the heavy processing and the treatment of the silkworms. Plus it cannot be processed in the same way as Smart Floss® and thus would be less effective in removing plaque. At one time in the past, cotton was used as dental floss, but it is not used for floss anymore as it tends to fray or break easily or is harsher on gums and not as effective.


How do you use Smart Floss?
  • Wrap 18" (45cm) of floss around fingers & draw tight.
  • Tug and release. The floss expands!
  • Slide floss between teeth, curve it around tooth and clean between tooth and gum with gentle up and down motion.
  • Repeat using a clean section between each tooth.

What are the ingredients in Smart Floss®?

Smart Floss® is flavored with natural cardamom essential oil and lightly coated with a vegetable/bees wax blend. It contains beeswax plus one or more of candelila, carnauba, castor oil and rice bran wax.  It does not contain genetically modified ingredients, known allergens, phthalates, soy or silica, and is dairy-free, gluten-free and fluoride-free.


Does your floss contain potentially toxic PTFE or PFAS chemicals?

No, neither DrTung's Smart Floss nor our Activated Charcoal Floss are made from PTFE –the floss material implicated by USA Today as being potentially toxic– nor are they intentionally treated with PFOAS, PFAS, PFOS, APFO and/or fluorine surfactants. Multiple research tests show that the amount of organic fluorine in our floss (said to reflect PFAS) is below the detectible range. PTFE material, although used widely for floss because it slides up and down easily between teeth, is also the worst performing floss as far as plaque removal goes. (See our study comparing Smart Floss to Glide and other flosses).


Can I get Smart Floss in the old plastic dispenser?

As part of our company's ongoing mission to reduce single use plastic waste, we developed the paperboard, biodegradable, FSC certified dispenser for our Smart Floss. 

The plastic model was phased out in mid-2022 and we no longer have any of the plastic dispensers available.



Shipping and Returns
What are your shipping rates?

US shipping via USPS varies from $7 upwards, depending on the size and weight of items ordered. We offer free shipping to the continental USA over $45.

We may offer free shipping when there is a promotion, etc.  So sign up for our newsletter to be on our email list. (You may cancel at any time).


What is your return policy?

DrTung's offers a 30 day return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Customers are responsible for shipping charges. If you purchase more than 1 unit of a particular item/SKU, then we will only accept returns of one open unit of that item. (You may return any unopened, saleable units of that item.)

There is a 60 day exchange guarantee from the date of purchase for any DEFECTIVE product. Returns require a return authorization number (RMA).

Dr. Tung's Products warrants the IONIC toothbrush for one year from the purchase date against all defects in manufacturing, workmanship and power source failure. If within one year of date of purchase, this product fails to function because of defects in materials or workmanship, it can be returned for replacement.

IMPORTANT:  

  1. All returns require a return authorization number (RMA) or will not be accepted.
  2. Returns must include a copy of the original invoice from drtungs.com, plus an RMA number, which can be obtained by simply emailing us at info@drtungs.com.
  3. Items purchased at a retail store, third-party website or International location should be returned to that store/website under that company's standard returns policy.
  4. Replacement items will ONLY BE SHIPPED TO USA OR CANADIAN ADDRESSES. We DO NOT ship to any other countries.

Can I give special delivery instructions?

You must provide an accurate address to which USPS  delivers.

However, if special instructions for delivery are required ( e.g. leave on the back porch), you must add this into your address at Checkout (e.g. Line 2 = leave at side porch).

Only the information listed as your shipping address at Checkout will be displayed on your shipping label. Please also note that it is up to the USPS carrier whether or not the special instructions are followed. We are not responsible for Special Instructions that are not followed by USPS.


Does DrTung's ship outside of the US?

At this time, we only ship to the US and Canada. Please check our store locator for stores in the UK, Korea, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Or, if you want to make an international purchase, please visit iHerb.com.


Oil Pulling
How do you oil pull?

This is our suggested oil pulling routine.

How to Oil Pull

Click image for more information on how to oil pull

  1. Clean tongue and brush teeth  Begin your morning dental health routine by cleaning your tongue with your stainless steel tongue scraper. Then, brush your teeth normally.
  2. Use 1 Tablespoon of mixture  You can either use your Dr. Tung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate undiluted or mix 1:3 with a carrier oil.  Either way you will get benefits from the botanical ingredients.
  3. Chew, pull, swish Lightly ‘chew on’ and swish oil in mouth for 5-15 minutes. (Chewing activates salivary enzymes which are said to then draw out toxins.)
  4. Spit  When done, do not swallow but spit into toilet or trash can (not into sink).
  5. Rinse Rinse your mouth with lukewarm, saline water.
  6. Repeat Repeat daily for best results.

What carrier oil is best to mix with the concentrate?

People have their own preferences and you can mix DrTung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate with organic sesame, sunflower or coconut oil. You may need to gently warm the coconut oil if it is below 76ºF to make it easier to mix. We suggest mixing the whole bottle of concentrate into the carrier oil so it is pre-mixed for your next oil pulling session.

What is Oil Pulling - thumb

Click image for more information on different oils people use for oil pulling


What ingredients are in the concentrate?

DrTung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate contains the following Ayurvedic botanicals:

Sesame oil (organic), acacia nilotica*, ficus religiosa*, wild Himalayan cherry*, cardamom extract (organic), banyan tree, acacia catechu*, lodh tree*, Indian madder*, eagle wood*, Indian gall-nut*, Indian gooseberry, gmelina arborea*, long-leaved pine*, spikenard*, stone flowers, sandalwood*, woodfordia fruticosa*, deodar*, licorice*, clove*, lotus seed, lemongrass, turmeric, nutgrass, nutmeg, cinnamon, camphor.   * Wild Harvested


Is DrTung's Oil Pulling Concentrate more powerful than a plain oil?

Oil pulling done with plain oils such as coconut, sunflower or sesame does not provide as much benefit compared with using DrTung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate.

Plain oils provide a detoxifying affect from chewing and swooshing, whereas our concentrate is like a 3-lane highway with 3 major benefits. If you are oil pulling, why not get 3 complete wellness benefits instead of just one?

  • Lane 1 Antibacterial Effect–DrTung's Oil Pulling Concentrate (with 24 Botanicals) has an antibacterial effect on the mouth and gums.
  • Lane 2 Nourishing Effect–Organic Black Sesame Oil is very highly regarded as a penetrating “carrier." It transports the health benefits of the Ayurvedic herbs into the gums and through the mucous membranes, thus carrying those benefits into the body.
  • Lane 3 Detoxifying Effect–Chewing and swooshing our “super charged” Oil Pulling Concentrate for 5-15 minutes removes toxins.

Activated Charcoal Floss
Does your floss contain potentially toxic PTFE or PFAS chemicals?

No, neither DrTung's Smart Floss nor our Activated Charcoal Floss are made from PTFE –the floss material implicated by USA Today as being potentially toxic– nor are they intentionally treated with PFOAS, PFAS, PFOS, APFO and/or fluorine surfactants. Multiple research tests show that the amount of organic fluorine in our floss (said to reflect PFAS) is below the detectible range. PTFE material, although used widely for floss because it slides up and down easily between teeth, is also the worst performing floss as far as plaque removal goes. (See our study comparing Smart Floss to Glide and other flosses).


DrTung's floss and PTFE or PFAS chemicals
Does your floss contain PFAS 'forever chemicals'?
Neither DrTung's Smart Floss nor our Activated Charcoal Floss are made from PTFE – the floss material implicated by USA Today as being potentially toxic – nor are they intentionally treated with PFOAS, PFAS, PFOS, APFO and/or fluorine surfactants. Multiple tests done by DrTung's at an EPA-approved lab show that the amount of organic fluorine in our floss (said to reflect PFAS) is below the detectible range. PTFE material, although used widely for floss because it slides up and down easily between teeth, is also the worst performing floss as far as plaque removal goes. (See our study comparing Smart Floss to Glide and other flosses).

Herbal Toothpowder Tabs
What are the ingredients?
Our carefully crafted, organic-based formula is made from oral-friendly Ayurvedic ingredients including neem, miswak and triphala along with minerals which are sustainably sourced in the USA.
INGREDIENTS: 
Mint-Free: Xylitol*, Bentonite, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Salvadora Persica (Miswak) Stem*, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum*, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove)*, Cymbopogon Flexuosus (Lemongrass)*, Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Leaf*, Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Root, Emblica Officinalis Fruit*, Terminalia Belerica Fruit*, Terminalia Chebula Fruit*, Oat Fiber*, Pea Starch*, Bamboo Extract*, Gum Arabic*, Sunflower Oil*, Sunflower Lecithin*   *Certified organic
Spearmint: As above but with added Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Oil*
______________________________________________________
Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of fluoride, SLS and sugar. They do not contain soy, corn, nuts or sesame.

Are they organic?
All of the ingredients are Certified Organic, except for the 3 minerals and Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Root which is found as a wild-crafted plant. Only agricultural products which are grown can be certified organic by the USDA - natural organic minerals and wild-crafted plants are not certifiable. But take a look at the ingredients and you'll get the picture. Our Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are probably the ‘cleanest’, most-pesticide free, easiest-to-use product available for clean teeth, a brighter smile and a fresh, more balanced oral microbiome.

How do I use them?
DrTung’s Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are easy to use. Take one perfectly portioned tab from the bottle, and put it in your mouth. Simply bite to crush well, then brush normally with a wet toothbrush. (Feel free to add a little more water if needed). It feels so good you may find yourself brushing happily for longer than normal...

What do they taste like?
The Spearmint Herbal Toothpowder Tabs have a refreshing herbal mint taste and the Mint-Free Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are fresh and earthy with just a hint of clove. We are used to sweet-tasting toothpastes, but in Ayurveda and Oriental medicine, balancing the mouth and oral microbiome requires some bitter-tasting ingredients. This is why neem and miswak have been used for centuries as natural anti-microbials with powerful oral health support. It may take a few days to get used to the taste but we guarantee that you will love the effect on your mouth.

Is the packaging Earth friendly?
Yes! The Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are packaged in infinitely recyclable glass bottles, sealed with a pesticide-free bamboo cap with recycled aluminum insert. According to the World Health Organization, 6 toothpaste tubes per person are discarded annually. That's billions of tubes per year going into the landfill. Switch to our tabs in glass bottles, for a more convenient oral care experience while not harming the planet.

What is the "Morning-After Test"?
How does your mouth normally feel when you wake up - a bit dry and in need of an urgent brushing or rinse? Brush with DrTung’s Herbal Toothpowder Tabs in the evening before bed, and then check how your mouth feels the next morning. Expect a fresher, cleaner, happier, more kissable feeling.

Can I use them on my pets?
As pet parents know, not everything that is healthy for us is good for our furry friends. Herbal Toothpowder Tabs should be kept away from your pets because Xylitol, one of the ingredients beneficial to human oral health, can cause rapid hypoglycemia in pets. Much like grapes, which are nutritious for humans but should not be given to dogs, Xylitol is perfectly healthy and beneficial for us, but because it is processed differently in the bodies of other animals it should never be given to dogs and cats.
BOTTOM LINE: Keep out of reach of pets, as Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.

Are the herbal tabs safe for diabetics and those who avoid alcohol?
Yes, Herbal Toothpowder Tabs are safe for diabetics. They are sugar free but are naturally sweetened with organic Xylitol, which has many beneficial properties for oral health. Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables and can be processed from trees like birch or from a plant fiber (xylan). Though it looks and tastes like sugar, it has 40% fewer calories. Xylitol has a low glycemic index, contains zero fructose, and has negligible effects on blood sugar because its assimilation and metabolism are independent of insulin. Therefore, none of the harmful effects of sugar apply to Xylitol. It is categorized as a 'sugar alcohol' but it’s not the same type of alcohol that causes inebriation. Sugar alcohols are safe for people who wish to avoid alcohol.
IMPORTANT: Keep out of reach of pets, as Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.

Why are your toothpowder tabs not white?
Toothpastes are generally white due to the processed ingredients such as hydrated silica, SLS, etc. Powdered flowers, leaves, fruits etc. are not white, but when mixed together have a brownish color. Most herbal toothpastes have such ingredients and are not bright white.  Our herbal toothpowder tabs are rich in botanicals that are proven to be effective for many aspects of oral health. So choose a modern toothpaste alternative full of ingredients grown by nature and selected based on both modern and ancient herbal knowledge.

Ionic Toothbrush - Note: This has been discontinued
Why did you discontinue the Ionic toothbrush?
Due to global sourcing and other issues DrTung's can no longer guarantee inventory supply for the Ionic Toothbrush, and sadly we have had to discontinue this item permanently.

We will continue to have Replacement Brush Heads in stock on our website for a limited time.

Product added to wishlist

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