The Department of Medical Services clarifies fake news about a man impersonating the "Director of the Dental Institute" promoting a mouthwash product, noting the current director is a woman. The Dental Council regulations clearly prohibit dentists from advertising products.
In a case where a man dressed like a dentist falsely claimed to be the Director of the Dental Institute, the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, and was promoting a mouthwash product to treat yellow teeth and stains from tea and coffee.
Today (19 Aug 2026), the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, issued a statement clarifying that this case is "fake news." The current Director of the Dental Institute is Dr. Sumana Phosrithong (Dentist, PhD), who is female, not male as claimed in the video.
Furthermore, regarding "yellow teeth," which result from food stains, tea, coffee, or smoking, these often arise from inadequate brushing. Additionally, as people age, the enamel thins, making teeth appear yellower due to the yellow dentin beneath. Certain medications or conditions may also change tooth color.
Bad breath originates from bacterial plaque accumulating between teeth, along the gum line, and on the tongue, as bacteria produce sulfur compounds that cause odors. Other causes include gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, low water intake, mouth breathing, acid reflux, sinus issues, or other oral health problems.
If both yellow teeth and chronic bad breath occur, it is usually due to inadequate brushing leading to plaque and tartar buildup. It is recommended to see a dentist for examination and scaling because if tartar or gum inflammation exists, toothpaste or products alone will not address the root cause.
Medical professionals are prohibited from advertising health products. According to the Medical Council's Code of Ethics for Medical Practice, B.E. 2549 (2006), doctors must not use their professional titles such as “Dr.” or “female doctor” to advertise products in ways that may mislead the public or imply medical endorsement for commercial gain. Also, any conflicts of interest with products must be transparently disclosed to maintain professional credibility.
Moreover, the Medical Council's 2022 regulations, Article 20, further prohibit doctors from advertising, hiring others to advertise, or allowing others to advertise their practice using false, exaggerated, or misleading information or methods that improperly induce benefit.
Previously,the Dental Councilreiterated regulations prohibiting dentists from advertising products in any form, including photos or videos with products. Even filming daily routines using oral care products is not permitted.
Legally, the Dental Council's 1995 Code of Professional Ethics, Articles 29 and 30, briefly states that dentists must not advertise or allow their names to be used to promote dental products to the public or endorse products lacking credible scientific evidence. This means no public advertising is permitted under any circumstances.
However, educating the public about oral care and product features is still allowed with caution to avoid unintentional advertising.
There was a case where the court found that a dentist failed to exercise due care by allowing photos with dental products to be published, which was deemed a professional ethics violation.
Additionally, dentists who own or sell oral care products cannot use their professional status to promote or advertise such products, as this would mislead consumers or encourage usage. They must not mention, display product images, trademarks, altered wording, or unique symbols under any circumstances.