According to a analysis of eleven anti-cavity toothpastes carried out by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), although all of them obtain good results in cleaning and removing dental stains, only four achieve a good overall rating. The reason: the excessive abrasiveness of half of the toothpastes analyzed.

To assess the abrasiveness of a toothpaste there are several methods, although one of the most used is the GDR (Relative Dentin Abrasivity), which measures dentin wear by brushing with toothpaste against a reference standard. A toothpaste is considered to have a low abrasiveness when its RDA is less than 80. They are recommended for sensitive teeth, delicate gums and those intended for children. A Average abrasiveness should be between 80 and 100 RDA and corresponds to normal toothpastes, while between 100 and 150 is considered high abrasiveness and is reserved for whitening and anti-tartar.

The abrasive level of the formulation should be as low as possible so that does not end up damaging enamel and dentin after continued use.

According to the products analyzed by the OCU, four score well for low abrasiveness, as well as the amount of fluoride they contain and their ability to clean and remove stains. It’s about toothpaste Colgate Triple Action (76 points)to which the Organization of Consumers and Users grants the category of ‘master purchase’; Parodontax Extra Fresh Complete Protection (66 points); Binaca Fresh Mint-Triple Protection (73 points), and Elmex Anti-caries (63 points).

As for the fluorinethe results of the laboratory tests, carried out by the OCU in collaboration with other European consumer organizations, point to a excessive amount in two toothpastes, which exceed the maximum concentration of 1,500 ppm, when it should be between 1,000 and 1,500 ppm. Specifically, it is Apivita Total -although it provides an optimal level of abrasiveness, it exceeds the recommended amount of fluorine- and Signal Anticavity Protectionwhich the OCU considers to be of “poor quality” both due to excess fluoride and its abrasiveness.

According to the consumer organization, a good toothpaste must meet the following requirements:

– You must clean your teeth correctly, removing food debris, dental film, plaque and stains.

– It should leave you feeling fresh and clean and refresh your breath.

– It should not be abrasive to enamel and dentin.

– It must be safe, pleasant and comfortable to use.

– It must have an affordable price.

Here you can consult the comparator of the eleven pastas that have been the subject of study.