Abrasive toothpaste contains substances that help remove stains and debris from teeth. Common abrasive ingredients in toothpaste are derived from chalk and silica
. Other abrasives such as calcium pyrophosphate, insoluble sodium metaphosphate, magnesium carbonate, and alumna may also be used for special types
. The degree of abrasivity depends on the hardness of the abrasive, the morphology of the particles, and on the concentration of abrasive in the paste
. Toothpastes designed to whiten teeth or remove stains are generally more abrasive than non-whitening toothpastes
. The Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale, developed by the American Dental Association, assesses toothpaste abrasiveness against a standard measurement. The higher the RDA score, the more abrasive the toothpaste. To receive the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance, a toothpaste's RDA cannot exceed a score of...
. Brushing with an abrasive toothpaste removes dental plaque and stains from teeth, but it can also wear away enamel. Enamel, the outermost layer of the teeth, is the toughest substance in the human body. Worn enamel can also be caused by acid erosion from acidic foods or drinks, gastrointestinal disorders, or eating disorders. Toothpaste abrasiveness is only one of the causes of enamel erosion, but it is one of the most preventable. A toothpaste with an acceptable level of RDA must be used
