05 May 2026
When you walk down the oral care aisle in Fonthill or Welland, you’re bombarded with “whitening” and “stain-removing” promises. At Fonthill Marketplace Dental, we want our patients to look beyond the marketing and check for a hidden metric: the RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) value. Choosing a toothpaste is a balancing act between cleaning efficiency and protecting your enamel. Below, our team shares everything you need to know.
The Low-Abrasive Sweet Spot
Every toothpaste uses an abrasive (like silica or calcium carbonate) to scrub away plaque. However, if the grit is too large, it acts like sandpaper on your teeth. Over time, wearing away enamel this way can lead to sensitivity and yellowing. We recommend toothpastes with an RDA value under 70 for daily use. This ensures you are removing the biofilm without thinning your enamel over time.
Avoid The “Whitening” Trap
Many “extra-whitening” toothpastes achieve their results through sheer abrasion with RDA values over 150! While they might remove surface coffee stains quickly, they can cause permanent wear on the neck of the tooth near the gumline. If you want a brighter smile, opt for a toothpaste with chemical stain lifters (like low-dose peroxide) rather than high-grit abrasives.
Our dentist can check your toothpaste and give specific recommendations if whitening is your goal. We also offer professional teeth whitening for powerful, safe results.
The Power of Hydroxyapatite
While fluoride is the gold standard for strengthening teeth, a new ingredient to consider for your toothpaste is Nano-Hydroxyapatite. This is the same mineral your teeth are made of, so it can fill in microscopic enamel divots. It smooths the surface and makes it harder for bacteria to stick to your teeth.
Personalized Oral Care Advice in Fonthill & Welland
Oral hygiene is not one-size-fits-all, and our team at Fonthill Marketplace Dental can help you find the ideal toothpaste for your regimen. During your next cleaning, we can recommend a specific brand that balances your dental needs and goals. Each preventive dental care visit is as much about improving your at-home care as it is about protecting your teeth.
Protect your enamel with the right tools. Schedule your next appointment for preventive dentistry in Fonthill and Welland.