What is RDA (Relative Dentine Abrasiveness) and why is it important?

The Importance of RDA in Dental Toothpaste

When choosing a toothpaste, one of the key factors to consider is its Relative Dentin Abrasivity
(RDA). The RDA value measures how abrasive a toothpaste is, specifically in relation to dentin, the
tissue beneath the enamel. Understanding the importance of RDA can help you select the right
toothpaste for your oral health needs.

What is RDA?

RDA is a universal scale used to evaluate the abrasiveness of toothpaste. It ranges from 0 to 250,
with lower values indicating gentler abrasiveness and higher values signifying more abrasive
formulations. Toothpaste with an RDA under 70 is generally considered safe for daily use, while
those with higher values may be more effective in stain removal but can potentially damage enamel
over time.

The RDA Table:

0-70	Low Abrasive
71-100	Medium Abrasive
101-150	Highly Abrasive
151-250	Regarded as Harmful Limit

Why is RDA Important?

Toothpaste with a balanced RDA can help maintain oral hygiene without causing harm to the teeth.
If the RDA is too high, it can lead to the gradual abrasion of enamel, the hard outer layer of the
tooth, and even dentine, the underlying hard structure, making teeth more susceptible to cavities
and sensitivity. Enamel once lost cannot regenerate, making it crucial to select a toothpaste that is
gentle on teeth.

On the other hand, toothpaste with a very low RDA may not be as effective at removing plaque and
stains, which could lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Generally speaking, ‘whitening’ and charcoal toothpastes will have a higher RDA than others and
usually ‘sensitivity’ toothpastes have a lower RDA rating.

Choosing the Right RDA

For most people, a toothpaste with an RDA of 50 to 70 is ideal for daily brushing. However,
individuals with sensitive teeth, receding gums, or those undergoing whitening treatments should
consult their dentist for recommendations on the most suitable RDA.

Be sure to check the RDA value of our selection of toothpastes indicated under the details section so
you’re informed about what you’re using.

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