What is compared?
Dentine abrasion under defined test conditions.
← All explanationsRDA value
How abrasive is a toothpaste?
The RDA value describes a toothpaste’s relative abrasiveness on dentine under standardised laboratory conditions. It is not a direct measurement of personal tooth wear or an overall grade for toothpaste.
For dental trainees & teams
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A laboratory comparison
RDA means Relative Dentin Abrasivity. It is measured against a reference material and concerns dentine, not every property of a tooth.
Daily use is more complex
Pressure, brushing movements, exposed roots and acid-related changes influence wear. An RDA value alone does not capture that situation.
Choose for the situation
Sensitive or exposed areas deserve individual care advice. A low value replaces neither fluoride prevention nor gentle technique.
At a glance
Who may need context?
Especially people with sensitivity, exposed roots or notable wear.
What informs a choice?
Clinical findings, pressure, technique and the complete formulation.
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Often confused
Dentine abrasion or enamel damage?
Dentine and enamel are different tissues. A dentine laboratory value cannot be translated directly into an individual’s enamel loss.
Quick answers
Is lower always better?
Not automatically. RDA compares a material property; it is not an overall safety or effectiveness ranking.
Does a higher RDA mean more whitening?
It does not reliably predict whitening performance. External stains and internal tooth colour are also different.
Should I measure the value myself?
No. Examination and suitable product advice are more useful for wear or sensitivity than home testing.
At the practice
For your consultation
A question to discuss with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Do my toothpaste and brushing pressure suit the exposed areas of my teeth?
Individual findings are the basis for discussing appropriate next steps.
Sensitive exposed surfaces deserve more than comparing numbers on packaging.
Review sensitive surfaces and careChoose an appointment on DoctolibLearning for dental trainees & teamsUnderstand clinical terms and build your knowledge
Build on the simple explanation with clinical terms, key distinctions and a knowledge question.
- RDA
- Relative Dentin Abrasivity: a standardised comparison of dentine abrasion.
- Abrasiveness
- A material property contributing to mechanical wear.
- Reference material
- A comparison material used as the basis for a measurement.
Know the difference
RDA is a laboratory measure; clinical wear results from several interacting influences.
Sources for further learning
Sources and context
Editorial research: 23 October 2026. This explanation covers general principles and does not replace a personal examination. Suitable treatment is discussed following individual assessment.