Toothpaste questions are one of the leading topics in family dentistry offices. With so many options, it can be difficult to find the best one for you. While many people think that higher relative dentin abrasion (RDA) levels equate to higher enamel damage, this isn't necessarily true. To help you choose the best toothpaste for your needs, this guide aims to settle common misconceptions about abrasivity.

How Is Toothpaste Abrasivity Beneficial?

Toothpaste abrasivity serves an important purpose. It supports good oral health by gently removing dental plaque buildup. This helps reduce your risk of periodontal diseases, gingivitis, and bacterial infections. Abrasivity also improves the aesthetics of your smile by removing surface stains and aiding in the whitening process. 

When used properly, abrasive toothpaste can help remove stains from tobacco, dark beverages like coffee or wine, and various foods. These effects are maximized when you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each, as this removes stains before they become more attached to the enamel. 

What Happens When Abrasivity Is Too High? 

Many people think that dental problems occur when you don't brush your teeth enough. However, concerns also arise if you over-brush or use toothpaste with high abrasiveness. If you're brushing your teeth with a high abrasive toothpaste for long periods of time, you may notice accelerated tooth decay or poor gum health. 

When brushing isn't balanced, high levels of abrasivity can also lead to asymmetric wear, which may result in discomfort or even jaw pain. If you experience any signs of gum bleeding, sensitivity, or discomfort, schedule an appointment with your family dentistry office to determine the underlying cause. 

What's the Proper Level of Abrasivity?

To make sure you're using a safe abrasivity level, consider the RDA scale. This is a scientific measurement of abrasivity levels based on their effect on deterioration, plaque, and sensitivity. The FDA recommends that you use toothpaste with an RDA of 200 or lower, but the American Dental Association has determined that RDA levels up to 250 are safe. 

Luckily, most name-brand toothpastes have RDAs well under this limit. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your toothpaste's RDA, the professionals at your family dentistry practice can help. 

When you need a reliable family dentistry practice, turn to Dr. Richard R. Miller Jr., DDS. With locations in Summerville and Fairmount, GA, Dr. Miller and his team of oral health professionals provide the personalized, friendly, high-quality care you need to enjoy the smile you deserve. Their oral care team offers a wide variety of services, including routine checkups, root canal therapy, and cosmetic dentistry treatments. Visit them online for more information. You can also contact the Summerville office at (706) 857-4741 or the Fairmount office at (706) 337-3347 to schedule an appointment today.