What is toothpaste abrasivity (RDA)?

A scale showing which RDA level is suitable for what purpose

The primary purpose of toothpaste is to clean teeth of accumulated plaque. Some toothpastes polish gently, while others are so abrasive that teeth may become sensitive after prolonged use of such toothpaste.

What is RDA?

Abrasives in toothpastes are water-insoluble solid particles designed for the mechanical removal of stains, plaque, and food debris from teeth, as well as for polishing them to a shine.

Commonly used abrasives in toothpastes include hydrated silica, silica, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, calcium pyrophosphate, and hydroxyapatite.

The abrasivity of toothpaste depends on the hardness, size, and quantity of the particles in its composition. Abrasivity is denoted by the letters RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasion). Once toothpaste abrasivity tests are conducted in a laboratory, a certificate is issued, and the RDA value is marked on the toothpaste packaging.

  • Ultra-low abrasivity toothpastes (RDA up to 20) are intended for cleaning the teeth of young children.
  • Older children and adults should use low to medium abrasivity toothpaste for daily dental care.
  • High abrasivity toothpaste is used to remove pigmented tooth stains and is also recommended for smokers, consumers of colored beverages, and those whose teeth accumulate plaque more intensely.

Abrasivity of whitening toothpastes

Teeth are naturally bright, but everyone’s tooth shade is different. If beverages or foods that discolor teeth are consumed daily, or especially as a result of smoking, teeth gradually lose their natural brightness. This can be restored by cleaning stains and darker areas with an abrasive toothpaste.

To maintain the natural color of teeth after whitening procedures, it is recommended to choose a low abrasivity (RDA up to 70) toothpaste for daily oral care. Studies have shown that the RDA of Royal Denta Silver toothpaste is 43. It is safe to use with both manual and electric toothbrushes of preferred softness. It can even be used for cleaning aesthetically filled teeth.

Care for restored teeth

The abrasivity index of dental care products is extremely important for those with restored (aesthetically filled) teeth or dental implants, as abrasive substances in toothpaste can accelerate the wear process of restored teeth, leading to damage of the restored tooth surfaces. It is recommended to use only low-abrasivity (RDA up to 70) pastes. These do not damage teeth or dental fillings and help safely remove plaque.

Royal Denta offers Gold (RDA 44) and Jeju (RDA 58) toothpastes, which are ideal for the daily care of restored and implanted teeth. These pastes safely clean plaque and have a positive effect on the gums.

Why is RDA especially important when brushing with an electric toothbrush?

The RDA value is particularly important when brushing with an electric toothbrush. There are sonic, ultrasonic, or rotating toothbrushes on the market that perform thousands of times more movements during a short cleaning period than manual brushing. Such brushes clean the tooth surface well, but if used incorrectly, they can damage tooth enamel or gums, especially if a very high abrasivity toothpaste is used.

Dentists recommend that toothpaste abrasivity should not exceed 70 in such cases; otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the tooth enamel.

Find the right toothpaste for you from our product range!