Toothpaste is a dental product used daily as part of your oral hygiene routine. As it helps keep your teeth clean, you want to ensure you choose the right type. One of the factors to consider when shopping is its abrasiveness, but many are unfamiliar with this element. In the guide below, find out more about this trait so you can make an informed decision. 

Why Is Toothpaste Abrasiveness Beneficial?

Plaque and tartar continuously develop in the mouth. These substances wear away the enamel that protects teeth from bacterial invasion. They also cause various oral issues if they linger, including cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Fortunately, a proper dental care routine helps you avoid these problems by eliminating them. It's even more effective when you brush with the right toothpaste.

Abrasive ingredients in this dental product help break down those deposits. As a result, plaque and tartar are easily removed during brushing instead of simply being pushed to another area. The outcome is cleaner teeth, fresher breath, fewer bacteria in the mouth, and better oral health overall.

What Happens if Toothpaste Is Too Abrasive?

While abrasive ingredients benefit oral health, not all of them are created equal. Some are harsher and can damage the tooth's protective layer if used too often or at a high intensity. If the enamel breaks down due to high levels of abrasion, the teeth become vulnerable to infection, decay, pain, and sensitivity.

The Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA) scale was created to measure how effective a particular abrasive is. As such, it helps determine what level is appropriate for your teeth.

What Are the Proper Levels of Abrasiveness?

The RDA scale measures how much dentin — the layer below the enamel — can be removed by toothpaste. The system rates dental products, with 0 being the least abrasive and 250 being a potentially harmful upper limit. For optimal efficacy and safety, select an item within an RDA range of 65-70.

Although any toothpaste at an RDA of 250 or below is safe and effective, an item above 100 RDA should only be used if it's dentist-recommended. That's because it can cause excessive wear and tear on the teeth. In addition, not all dental products have an RDA rating, so read the labeling carefully before purchasing one.

For help finding the perfect dental product to sustain your oral health, visit Kathleen Kujiraoka, DDS, in Kaneohe, HI. Their team is committed to ensuring you have a clean, white smile while feeling comfortable in their office. They specialize in family dentistry services, from routine teeth cleanings and checkups to whitening treatments. Visit the website to view the dental products they offer, or call (808) 235-2121 to schedule an appointment.