The Best Dentist Recommended Toothpaste

What dentist recommended toothpaste is right for you? A variety of factors are considered before the American Dental Association places its seal of approval on any toothpaste. One of these is known as the Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA).

Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA)– The Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale, developed by the American Dental Association, assesses toothpaste abrasiveness against a standard measurement. The higher the RDA score, the more abrasive than toothpaste.

If you are brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash you are doing all that you need to to keep your teeth healthy? While we mostly agree, you should be an informed consumer when it comes to what kind of toothpaste you use. Toothpastes are not all created equal.  Can a toothpaste actually cause harm to your teeth? The short answer: Yes. The long answer: Below.

The Dangers of Tooth Abrasion

The Facts:

• Enamel is the outer portion of our teeth. It is also the toughest substance in the human body.  Still it can be worn down. Hard bristle brushes, acidic foods, and abrasive toothpaste can do a number on our enamel.
• While enamel is very strong it is not able to grow back. For this reason it is important to do all that you can do to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. If your enamel wears down it can lead to sensitivity by exposing the inner layer or dentin of your teeth.
• The layer under our enamel is known as dentin, this area houses small hollow tubes. These allow sticky, cold, or hot food to reach the nerves and cells inside the teeth causing sensitivity. 

If you notice the following signs it may be time to change your brushing habits.

• Notches in the top of teeth by gum line
• Gum recession that exposed the root
• Sensitivity in gum or teeth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks
• Yellow or gray teeth

Factors Consider when Selecting a Toothpaste:

Check for the ADA’s seal of approval, these factors include:

• contain fluoride
• contain active ingredients to improve oral hygiene
• be free from flavoring agents that contribute to tooth decay, such as sugar
• have scientific evidence to support that it is safe and effective

What Can You Do:

• Use the chart below to check where you toothpaste stand, switch to a lower RDA toothpaste if needed.
• The best way to avoid any tooth structure damage, is to always a pea size amount or less of any kind.
• Use a soft or extra soft toothbrush
• Flossing Daily
• Check for the ADA’s Seal of Approval on your toothpaste

The Truth: All toothpaste has some type of abrasiveness to it especially when used alongside a toothbrush. So, how abrasive is your toothpaste?  Unfortunately, toothpaste companies do not put their Relative Dentin Abrasion (RDA) information on the labels or packaging of these products.

What is the Best Dentist Recommended Toothpaste?

You can find the RDA of many popular toothpastes in the chart below. Check to see where your toothpaste falls. Abrasion is measured from 0-250 and is broken down into four sections. Finding a toothpaste that falls into the low (0-70) to medium (71-100) abrasion level is recommended.  If it is over 150, you may want to consider switching to a less abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your enamel. The maximum level allowed by the FDA is an RDA of 200. It should be noted that many whitening toothpastes have a higher RDA. Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums, therefore you want to find one with a low RDA.

Commonwealth Dentistry Relative Dental Abrasion Chart

Did you toothpaste make it on the list above 100? If so, it may be time to make a switch. Talk to one of trusted dental professionals about what type of toothpaste works best for you. Schedule your appointment today.