PerioTrap Pharmaceuticals GmbH
Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle (Saale)
Dr. James Belcher, December 15, 2025
Gentle or harsh? Toothpaste abrasives explained simply
Have you ever wondered why some toothpastes are "extra gentle" and others "deep cleaning"? The difference lies in the abrasive – the tiny particles that remove plaque. But how abrasive should toothpaste really be? Here you'll learn what the RDA value means, what types of particles are used, and how to find the right toothpaste for you.
What's behind it?
Every toothpaste contains abrasives – tiny particles made of minerals such as silicates or finely ground chalk. They act like a gentle scrub for the teeth and help to remove plaque as well as tea or coffee stains. Abrasiveness , i.e. the abrasion during cleaning, is indicated by the RDA value (Relative Dentin Abrasion): the higher the value, the greater the abrasion of the product (Wülknitz, 1997 & Fischer et al., 2022).
Why is it relevant?
A little abrasion is good – but too much can be harmful. Tooth enamel (the hard protective layer of your teeth) and dentin (the sensitive tissue underneath) react differently to abrasion. People with exposed tooth necks or sensitive teeth should choose toothpastes with a low RDA value to avoid further damage (Hooper et al., 2003 & Sabrah et al., 2018).
Scientific background
Studies show that toothpastes with a low RDA value (< 70) clean gently without damaging tooth enamel. Higher values (100–150) are typical for whitening toothpastes or toothpastes for smokers – they polish more intensely but can lead to microcracks in the long term (Wiegand et al., 2009 & Philpotts et al., 2005).
Modern toothpastes often use Hydrated silica : fine particles that clean gently but effectively. Products like the PeriTrap Microbiome toothpastes deliberately use such gentle abrasives – tested by the Fraunhofer Institute IMWS.
Practical tips for everyday life
- ✓ Check the RDA value : For everyday use, a toothpaste with an RDA of about 50–80 is sufficient .
- ✓ Choose a gentle toothpaste for sensitive teeth – especially if you have receding gums.
- ✓ Optimize your cleaning technique: Use less pressure and a softer brush.
Sources
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Fischer M, Schlueter N, Rupf S, Ganss C. In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of Different Particle Types in Toothpastes on the Efficacy Against Enamel Erosion and Wear. Scientific Reports . 2022.
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Hooper S, West NX, Pickles MJ, et al. Investigation of Erosion and Abrasion on Enamel and Dentine: A Model in Situ Using Toothpastes of Different Abrasivity. Journal of Clinical Periodontology . 2003.
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Lin PY, Chen LN, Tseng CF, et al. Tooth-Whitening Agents and Polymer-Based Carriers: Efficacy, Safety, and Clinical Perspectives. Polymers . 2025.
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Philpotts CJ, Weader E, Joiner A. The Measurement in Vitro of Enamel and Dentine Wear by Toothpastes of Different Abrasivity. International Dental Journal . 2005.
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Sabrah AH, Turssi CP, Lippert F, et al. 3d-Image Analysis of the Impact of Toothpaste Abrasivity on the Progression of Simulated Non-Carious Cervical Lesions. Journal of Dentistry . 2018.
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Wiegand A, Kuhn M, Sener B, Roos M, Attin T. Abrasion of Eroded Dentin Caused by Toothpaste Slurries of Different Abrasivity and Toothbrushes of Different Filament Diameter. Journal of Dentistry . 2009.
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Wülknitz P. Cleaning Power and Abrasivity of European Toothpastes. Advances in Dental Research . 1997.
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Fraunhofer Institute IMWS. Hydrated Silica in Toothpastes – Safety and Efficacy. https://www.imws.fraunhofer.de/en/kompetenzfelder/medicine-environment.html