Toothpaste is a daily essential in our oral hygiene routines, yet with countless options on the shelves, choosing the right one can be daunting. When selecting a toothpaste, understanding its abrasiveness and key ingredients can greatly influence your dental health (link to dental services). Here, we’ll explore why RDA values matter and highlight important ingredients to look for, steering clear of whitening toothpaste and focusing on trusted brands (SPOILER ALERT: our favorite) CariFree Gel.
Why RDA Values Matter
The RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value of toothpaste is critical because it measures how abrasive the toothpaste is on your enamel and dentin. High RDA values can lead to increased and unnecessary wear over time, increasing sensitivity and vulnerability to cavities. Opt for toothpaste with low RDA values to protect your teeth while effectively cleaning them.
Essential Ingredients for Optimal Oral Health
- Fluoride: Renowned for its cavity-fighting properties, fluoride is a must-have in your toothpaste. It helps make teeth more resistant to tooth decay.
- pH Balance: Maintaining an optimal pH level in your mouth helps prevent acid erosion. Toothpaste with a balanced pH can neutralize acids and provide a protective environment for your teeth.
- Xylitol: A natural sugar alcohol, xylitol, not only sweetens your toothpaste without promoting cavities but also inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, supporting overall oral health.
- Nanohydroxyapatite: Considered a revolutionary ingredient, nanohydroxyapatite plays a crucial role in remineralizing enamel. It’s important to ensure that it is present in the right shape, size, and concentration. When properly formulated, it can effectively repair tooth surfaces and reduce sensitivity.
- Low RDA Value: Choose toothpaste with a low RDA to ensure it gently cleans without damaging your enamel.
A Word of Caution on nAHp (Nanohydroxyapatite)
Not all nAHp is created equal! When we consider what makes nAHp great we have to look at three critical things.
- size of the nAHp particle
- shape of the nAHp particle
- dose concentration.
Taking all of these things into consideration we highly recommend that patients DO NOT purchase just any nAHp containing toothpaste. Most companies that promote their nAHp containing toothpastes will not reveal particle shape, size and in some instances concentrations. Without verification of these three critical pieces nAHp can actually be toxic!