When cavities occur, one of the options that your dentist will present to you could be a dental filling. These fillings replace the tooth’s part destroyed by the cavities and work as a protective layer for your tooth once the cavity is removed and the infection cleared. However, dentists working with dental fillings have a multitude of options. With glass ionomer fillings, they offer higher flexibility, protect your teeth from further decay, and even have the special benefit of releasing fluoride overtime to rebuild the dentin and enamel.

What is Glass Ionomer?

Glass ionomer cement is a restorative material made with silicate glass powder. Its purpose is to bond directly to the tooth and create a tight-seal for cavity openings and restorations. The concept was first developed in the 1950s; researchers realized that dentistry’s future relied heavily on developing new forms of adhesive bonding, and thus, created multiple types of cement, such as composite resin and acid-etching enamel cement to restore permanent teeth to health. However, in 1969, chemist Dr. Alan Wilson and Brian Kent develop a silicate glass powder cement that contained polyacrylic acid, claiming it to be a new type of restorative material for bonding with the tooth structure.

How Does Glass Ionomer Work?

When your dentist applies this bonding material to your tooth, the silicate fillers have fluoride-releasing properties, meaning that they’ll actively restore your tooth over time, giving the enamel and dentin the strength it needs to protect itself from harmful bacteria. The polyacrylic acid works as a strong adhesive, making the glass ionomer stick and bond to the tooth’s structure. Once researchers found that glass ionomers worked successfully, this form of dental filler became one of the biggest staples for permanent restorations. Its transparency allowed the cement to match the tooth’s shade, making it highly viable for its cosmetic improvements. Their moisture tolerance also makes it last longer in the mouth, protecting it from saliva, water, and other liquid producing foods and substances that can potentially weaken the filler.

Types of Glass Ionomer Available

Thanks to dentistry’s continuous development, glass ionomers have a complete wide range of uses throughout dentistry and allow dentists to have higher flexibility when treating patients. Among the wide range of fillers, these are the types available today for dental use:

Conventional Glass Ionomer – These ionomers are the base cement most commonly used, and contain the alkaline base with fluoride, which reacts with the polyacrylic acid to create the cement mixture. This form of ionomer is often used within the cavity to protect the tooth from damage.

High-Viscosity Glass Ionomer – Similar to conventional glass ionomers, high-viscosity refers to a higher resistance to deformation when mixed with water. This ionomer is thicker than its conventional type, making it applicable for creating greater bonds with the tooth.

Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer – Some dentists prefer to work with a mixture of composite resin and glass ionomer and layer the two together for a highly resistant surface. This cement helps maintain structural integrity and provide longer-lasting effects. The resin-modified glass ionomer works to remove dentists’ extra steps to apply it, creating a moisture-controlled environment that produces better aesthetic results.

To take a deeper look into the variety of dental fillers out there, and what filler will work best for your teeth, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Jonathan McCartney at McCartney Dental, located in North Port, FL, for more information.

If you’re among the nearly 30 million people around the United States that receive dental benefits from Medicaid, you may be wondering what they cover. Dental care is an important part of your medical coverage, and making use of it has been shown to help alleviate the risk of certain conditions in other parts of the body. Many patients with Medicaid may find their coverage difficult to understand, or may not be certain how to use it to receive care. All of our patients deserve the effective treatment that is available under their Medicaid plan, so we built this short guide to help them get started.

The Basics of Medicaid Dental Benefits

The regulations surrounding Medicaid are somewhat labyrinthine, which makes understanding them difficult for many patients. We spent some time scouring them to come up with what we felt were the most important starting points for patients who receive this kind of coverage. Below we put together this list of facts to help you get answers to the specifics about your coverage.

• Federal law does not require that Medicaid Dental benefits are provided by each state. As Medicaid is a state-level plan, it won’t necessarily be available in each state or provide the same coverage. You also may find that you cannot use it if you cross state lines.
• Florida provides Medicaid dental coverage, and the majority of those with Medicaid coverage carry some form of it on their plan. What is covered under this plan varies based on the age of the patient.
• Those under the age of 20 (in Florida) are eligible for X-rays, screenings, exams, sealants, space maintainers, root canals, periodontics, orthodontics, fillings and crowns, and extractions, among other services.
• Those above the age of 21 (in Florida) are eligible for a reduced level of care. These services include extractions, limited dental exams and x-rays, dentures, problem-focused care, and pain management.

Legislation passed in December of 2018 added additional treatment options to patients who were over 21 years of age. These include diabetic testing at the dental office, more extraction options, silver and white fillings, regular dental cleanings including periodontal cleaning, and an introductory visit to the clinic for those who have disabilities. Further options may be available for those who are pregnant or who qualify for special conditions.

The Medicaid Dental system provides dental coverage to those most in need but can be a difficult morass to navigate. McCartney Dental works closely with its patients to ensure they have the best understanding of their dental care options under Medicaid. If you have more questions about what coverage is available and what treatment options you can receive, call for an appointment with Dr. Jonathan McCartney today. You’ll be scheduled for a regular introductory exam, including imaging, followed by a consultation of what treatment options are available to you. If you’re disabled and would like to schedule your initial visit to the dental office, simply give us a ring, and we’ll be happy to arrange it for you!

Part of having the perfect smile is about how it looks, but another part of having the perfect smile is how it smells. While this may sound weird, it makes sense when you consider that scent is the strongest human sense tied to memory. This essentially means that if you have bad breath, people are more likely to remember that over the fact that you have an amazing smile. 

Bad breath is unfortunately common with the American Dental Association estimating that it affects 50% of Americans at least once in their lifetime. However, bad breath is also usually somewhat easy to treat and manage. The first step to eliminating your bad breath is to determine what is causing it to begin with. Once you know the cause, you can then take the necessary steps to improve the scent of your breath. While there are many things that can cause bad breath, here are a few of the most common culprits: 

Poor Oral Hygiene

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss daily. If you find yourself skipping out on brushing or flossing regularly, then your bad breath may be due to a lack of adequate oral hygiene. When you don’t brush or floss as much as you are supposed to, this can cause excess bacteria to accumulate on your teeth and tongue. It can also accumulate along the gum line and cause gum disease.  Bacteria produces an odor associated with bad breath, and more bacteria means a stronger odor. 

Diet

The things you eat and drink can also play a role in how your breath smells. This makes sense when you consider the fact that everything you eat or drink passes through your mouth and leaves tiny particles on your tongue and teeth. Generally speaking, foods with a strong taste or smell have the ability to temporarily alter the way your breath smells. Garlic, onions, and coffee tend to produce especially offensive odors. However, bad breath due to diet can usually be managed by brushing your teeth after meals or drinks, as well as using breath mints. 

Smoking

If you are a smoker, then you will need to consider the fact that smoke is regularly passing through your mouth. Cigarette smoke itself does not have a pleasant odor to most people, and this odor will remain in your breath. Additionally, smoking inhibits your body’s ability to produce enough saliva, which can make the odor worse. 

Dry Mouth

When your body is unable to produce enough saliva, this is known as dry mouth. Dry mouth is problematic to your oral health because it prevents the mouth from being able to properly clean itself. This means that bacteria can accumulate easier in a person with dry mouth, which increases the potential for bad breath. If you are affected by dry mouth, the best way to manage this condition is by keeping your mouth as moist as possible by drinking frequently, chewing on gum, or sucking sugarless candies to stimulate saliva production. 

Medical Conditions

Sometimes bad breath can also be due to certain medical conditions. For example, the scent of your breath may be temporarily affected if you have an infection in your nasal passages, tonsils, bronchial tubes, or upper/lower respiratory systems. In these cases, your bad breath will usually disappear once the infection has been treated. In other cases, you may experience chronic bad breath due to diabetes, kidney disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). In these cases, the best way to treat bad breath is to first treat the condition causing it. 

Did you know that according to the CDC, 47.2% of Americans over the age of 30 are affected by some form of gum disease? Part of the reason why this number is so high is because many people who have gum disease are not even aware they have it until they visit their dentist. Although gum disease does produce symptoms, these symptoms are not always noticed right away, which means that gum disease is likely to progress before it is diagnosed. 

There are two different forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mild form of the disease that many people are unaware they have. It can produce mild symptoms like the beginnings of gum recession, red gums, and gums that bleed easily. Periodontitist is the advanced form of gum disease and is usually the stage where most cases are diagnosed. With periodontitis, the symptoms can become more disruptive causing pain, tenderness, and even tooth sensitivity from exposed tooth roots. 

Just as your dentist is dedicated to preventing cavities from forming in your teeth, they are also dedicated to preventing gum disease. Luckily, there are things that you can do to improve your gum health and decrease the risk of developing gum disease. These things include: 

Brushing Twice a Day

Brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time is not only beneficial to prevent cavities from forming, but it can also help to reduce the chances of developing gum disease. This is because brushing your teeth helps to remove excess plaque from the surface and along the gum line. Plaque houses thousands of bacteria responsible for both tooth decay and gum disease, so removing it is an important preventative step. 

Flossing Daily

However, brushing your teeth does not always remove plaque from hard to reach places in your mouth. This is where flossing comes in. Flossing daily, preferably at night just before you brush your teeth and go to bed, helps to remove plaque and food debris from between your teeth and just below the gum line. This prevents plaque from accumulating along the gums and forming pockets of bacteria. However, to prevent irritating your gums it is important to only floss once a day. 

Use Mouthwash

In addition to brushing and flossing, another thing you can do is to use mouthwash after meals. There are several over the counter mouthwashes that are designed to decrease the risk of gum disease by eliminating plaque and preventing it from accumulating. However, it is important to note that mouthwash should never be used as a replacement for brushing or flossing. Instead, it is meant to be used as an additional hygiene method. 

Keep Up on Dental Cleanings

In addition to proper daily oral hygiene, you will also want to be sure that you visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning. In some cases, they may recommend coming in more frequently. Dental cleanings are important because they remove plaque and hardened plaque (tartar) from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Tartar can only be removed during a dental cleaning since it is too hard to be removed with a toothbrush. 

Quit Smoking

There are several reasons why you should quit smoking, however one reason is because smoking dramatically increases your risk of developing gum disease. It also makes it harder for your gums to heal, which means gum disease is likely to advance quickly. 

When having a dental restoration placed, the type of restoration will affect how many appointments are needed. You see, there are two types of dental restorations: direct and indirect. Direct restorations are those that can be completed “directly” in the mouth and will usually only require a single appointment. An example of a direct restoration are composite fillings. Conversely, indirect restorations are those that require the additional step of needing to be fabricated by a dental lab. Because of this extra step, indirect restorations generally take two appointments. 

Indirect restorations include crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and veneers. When one of these restorations is being placed, the first appointment is used to prepare the tooth by removing damaged or decayed tissue and then reshaping the remaining enamel. To provide the dental lab with the necessary information to fabricate the restoration, a dental impression or oral scan is then taken. The final step is to place a temporary restoration. 

A temporary restoration is worn for the time frame between your first and second appointments. It will then be removed during your second appointment so that the permanent restoration can be placed. Temporary restorations are essential for various reasons, including: 

To Act as a Placeholder

Once your tooth has been prepared for a dental restoration, it will be a different size and/or shape. When there is suddenly space in the mouth, the surrounding teeth change their position slightly to fill in this space. However, if this happens then the permanent restoration may no longer fit. This is especially important when replacing a missing tooth with a dental bridge. Thus, a temporary restoration can be used as a placeholder to guarantee there is enough space for the permanent restoration. 

To Protect the Tooth

Part of preparing your tooth for a dental restoration involves removing decayed tissue, as well as some healthy tissue in order to shape the tooth to fit a restoration. Because of this, you may have areas where the enamel is very thin or where the dentin is exposed. Both thin enamel and exposed dentin are associated with tooth sensitivity, but they can also allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause a pulp infection. Therefore, a temporary restoration is also used as a protective barrier to the natural tooth structure. 

To Preserve the Natural Gum Line

Placing a temporary restoration also helps to preserve the way that the gums fit around the tooth. Although you wouldn’t normally think of this being important, preserving the way the gums contour around the tooth gives the permanent restoration a natural appearance. Without a temporary, the gum position can change and make the final restoration stand out more. 

To Maintain Function

The two main functions of your teeth are eating and speaking. However, when one or more teeth are altered for a dental restoration, these two functions can be negatively affected. For starters, chewing becomes more difficult and so can speaking properly, especially if you have multiple teeth that have been altered. Using a temporary restoration maintains the same type of function until the permanent restoration can be placed. 

To Offer a Preview

One final reason for placing a temporary restoration is that it offers you a preview of the final results. By wearing the temporary restoration, you can get accustomed to the look, feel, and fit of your new restoration before the permanent restoration is placed. Keep in mind, however, that your permanent restoration will be made from high quality materials and will be more durable than your temporary. 

Did you know that the human body produces about 2-4 pints of saliva a day? Saliva is produced by salivary glands in the cheeks, under the tongue, and in the jawbone by your front teeth. The amount of saliva is usually at its highest in the late afternoon and its lowest at night. Saliva production also increases when you chew. In fact, the more you chew, the more saliva you produce. 

Saliva, or spit, is the clear fluid that lubricates the inside of your mouth. It is composed of water, enzymes, bacteria, viruses, mucus, blood cells, and undigested food particles. Although many people don’t give much thought about their “spit”, it actually plays many important roles. In fact saliva can help to maintain your oral health, as well as your overall health. Here are some of the things that your saliva does: 

Helps with Eating

One main function of saliva that most people are familiar with is that it helps you eat. Saliva saturates the food so that it is soft enough to be chewed and swallowed. Beyond that, the enzyme amylase in saliva also helps to start digestion in the mouth by breaking down starches. Last, but certainly not least, saliva also allows you to actually taste the food you eat. This is because saliva breaks down the food into chemicals that are then processed by the taste receptor cells on your tongue. Without saliva, these foods would not break down into chemicals and the taste receptor cells would not be able to recognize them. Simply stated, food would have no taste. 

Protects the Teeth

The second main function of saliva is to protect the teeth from decay. There are a few different ways that your saliva works to protect your teeth. One way is through forming a protective barrier around the teeth that contains bicarbonate. When decay-causing bacteria release acidic waste products, this bicarbonate barrier helps to neutralize the acid in order to minimize damage done to the enamel. Another way saliva protects the teeth is through its components. Saliva contains electrolytes such as calcium and phosphorus, which helps to strengthen the tooth enamel to decrease the likelihood of cavity formation. 

Prevents Gum Disease

Saliva also helps to prevent gum disease by controlling the amount of bacteria in the mouth. For starters, saliva contains antimicrobials, which kill off decay-causing bacteria. Additionally, saliva also helps to decrease plaque accumulation by washing away food particles. In decreasing bacterial populations and plaque accumulation along the gum line, saliva helps to reduce the risk of developing gum disease. 

Holds Dentures in Place

Although this does not apply to everyone, this really matters for those who have dentures. Saliva helps to hold dentures in place by creating suction between the denture and the gums. This stabilizes the dentures and prevents them from slipping or falling out. Saliva also acts as a lubricant to prevent denture sores on the gums. 

Reduces Halitosis

Halitosis, or bad breath, occurs when there are high levels of bacteria in the mouth. Adequate saliva levels help keep the mouth clean and reduce bacterial population, which decreases bad breath. 

Did you know that a dry socket is the most common complication of a tooth extraction? Although 2-5% of extracted teeth can develop a dry socket, this condition is more likely to occur in extracted wisdom teeth and can occur in 30% of wisdom tooth extractions. While you may never experience a dry socket, it is still beneficial to know a little about the condition if you plan on having a tooth extracted. Here is everything you need to know about dry sockets: 

What is a dry socket?

Alveolar osteitis, also known as dry socket, is a tooth extraction complication characterized by the absence or loss of a protective blood clot. You see, when a tooth is extracted the body will naturally create a protective blood clot over the empty socket to protect the underlying tissues, bone, and nerve endings. If this clot fails to form or becomes dislodged somehow, then the tissues, bone, and nerve endings are exposed and are known as a dry socket. 

What are the symptoms of a dry socket?

One of the most common symptoms of a dry socket is pain due to the exposure of the underlying structures. Pain associated with a dry socket is generally described as a throbbing pain deep within the jaw on the same side of the extraction. Some people also experience pain that radiates into the ears, eyes, temples, or neck. In addition to pain, a bad smell or taste in your mouth is another sign of a dry socket. If you think you have a dry socket, you may be able to see exposed bone in the empty tooth socket when you look in the mirror. 

How is a dry socket treated?

Your dentist will first examine the extraction site for signs of infection and to confirm a dry socket. They will then clean the socket by gently flushing it with water. The empty socket will then be packed with pain medications and gauze. Most patients note that this treatment alleviates their pain almost immediately. In some cases, your dentist may also show you how to do this on your own and provide you with the necessary supplies for home care. 

Who is at risk of developing a dry socket?

While having a tooth extraction is the main risk factor for developing a dry socket, there are some additional things that can increase your chances of a dry socket. For starters, people who smoke are at a higher risk because tobacco products delay healing and can interfere with clot formation. Women are also at a higher risk, especially if they take oral contraceptives. This is due to the fact that high estrogen levels can also interfere with the healing process. Dry sockets are also more likely to occur on the lower jaw and in molar extractions. 

How are dry sockets prevented?

Some cases of dry sockets cannot be prevented, however there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of developing a dry socket. The best way to prevent a dry socket is to follow your dentist’s postoperative instructions since most of these instructions are designed to prevent complications like a dry socket. These instructions also provide information on what food to eat and how to keep your mouth clean using saltwater rinses. 

Practicing proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease in order to maintain your oral health. According to the American Dental Association, proper oral hygiene consists of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. In addition to completing these behaviors, it is also important to use the proper methods to get the most out of an oral hygiene routine. When it comes to flossing, the best way to do this is to prevent yourself from making these common flossing mistakes: 

Not Flossing Regularly

One very common mistake people often make with flossing is that they don’t do it regularly. In fact, only about 30% of Americans floss daily, while 37% floss less than daily, and 32% never floss. Not flossing regularly unfortunately allows plaque to accumulate and only daily flossing ensures that this plaque is removed. When plaque is left in place, it can increase the risk of developing both tooth decay and gum disease. 

Missing Places

In addition to not flossing regularly, another common mistake people make is that they miss certain places. One of the most common areas neglected by flossing is just behind the last molars. Oftentimes, many people don’t think this area needs to be flossed, however it is important to floss behind the molars, as well as in between all the teeth. Additionally, the sides of each tooth should be carefully flossed in addition to the gum line. 

Flossing Too Hard or Too Much

Your gums should not bleed when you floss. If your gums do bleed, this can either be a sign of gum disease or a sign that you are flossing too hard. Dental floss should move gently between the teeth and along the gum line, however it should never be pulled or snapped down across the gums. Regularly hitting the gum tissue with dental floss can irritate the gum tissue and cause the gums to recede, or pull away from the gums. Therefore, you should gently move the floss between your teeth in a direction that moves away from the gums. Additionally, flossing too much can also cause gum irritation. To prevent gum irritation, it is recommended to only floss once a day. 

Flossing at the Wrong Time

Although flossing at any time is better than not flossing at all, there is an ideal time frame for flossing. The best time to floss is just before going to bed since this removes any excess plaque from the teeth before saliva production is decreased while you sleep. When saliva production is decreased, the bacteria in your mouth can be more damaging to your teeth, which is why it is important to remove as much bacteria as possible. Additionally, it is also recommended to floss before you brush so that the fluoride from the toothpaste can work its way in between your teeth. 

Not Using the Right Floss

Not all dental floss is the same. In fact, there are different types of dental floss that offer a range of options. Some types of dental floss are made to fit in tight spaces, while others are better for flossing between teeth with gaps between them. Doing some research to determine what type of dental floss is best for you can help to maximize your flossing routine. 

Most people know that the foods they eat affect their overall health, but did you know that they can also affect your oral health? Specifically, there are certain vitamins and minerals contained in different foods that can help improve your oral health by being beneficial to your teeth. Let’s take a look at how some important vitamins and minerals affect your teeth: 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps to maintain the health of oral soft tissues and also prevents dry mouth. Even though vitamin A does not affect the teeth directly, it still helps to prevent tooth decay by promoting saliva production and keeps the gums firmly attached to the teeth. Vitamin A is found in foods like egg yolks, liver, orange-colored fruits, fish, and leafy greens. 

Calcium

Although calcium is primarily known for supporting healthy bones, it also helps to strengthen your tooth enamel. In fact, it is actually a main component of tooth enamel. Eating adequate amounts of calcium also keeps your jaw bone strong and helps support your teeth. Calcium can be found in foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, broccoli, and salmon. 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C works in a similar way to vitamin A in that it promotes soft tissue health. It has also been known to prevent gum disease as well, which allows the gums to remain attached to the teeth. The most abundant source of vitamin C is citrus fruits, but potatoes and leafy greens also contain vitamin C. 

Phosphorus

This is another mineral that works with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth. Out of all the minerals found in the human body, phosphorus is the most abundant and is found primarily in the teeth. Phosphorus can be found in foods such as soybeans, seafood, lentils, beef, pork, and cheese. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in the body’s absorption of calcium. In fact, the human body cannot absorb calcium from the small intestine without vitamin D. This means that to get enough calcium, you also need to be sure to get enough vitamin D. However, many people are vitamin D deficient. Being deficient in vitamin D can eventually lead to bone loss. To prevent a vitamin D deficiency, a supplement may be needed. Additionally, vitamin D is found in sunlight, as well as foods such as: canned tuna, fatty fish, portobello mushrooms, and leafy greens. 

Potassium

Potassium works independently from calcium and phosphorus, however it still promotes bone health by preventing bone loss. If the pH of your blood becomes too acidic, calcium can be leached from the jawbones and redirected to other parts of the body. Potassium helps neutralize the blood in order to prevent this from happening. Potassium is found in foods such as bananas, lima beans, chard, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, prunes, and avocados. 

Vitamin K

Vitamin K contains osteocalcin, which is a bone-strengthening protein that prevents bone loss by blocking substances that are destructive to the bone tissue. Vitamin K is found in leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, chollards, parsley, kae, and brussel sprouts. 

Toothpaste is something we use everyday, twice a day to brush our teeth. Because brushing our teeth is such a routine behavior, most of us don’t think much about toothpaste. Oftentimes, the only time you probably think about toothpaste is when you are running low and need to buy more. Yet, toothpaste is more interesting than you may think and learning a little more about it can help you pick the right toothpaste the next time you need to buy more. Here are some things that you didn’t know about toothpaste: 

The first toothpaste wasn’t actually paste at all, but a powder. Back in 5000 BC, the Ancient Egyptians developed a tooth powder made of myrrh, ox hooves, powdered eggshells, and pumice. They used this abrasive powder as a way to remove debris and clean their teeth. As time went on, tooth powder remained the primary method to clean one’s teeth until around the beginning of the 20th century. However, even today some places, like India, still use tooth powder over toothpaste. 

One main ingredient used in toothpaste is water. In fact, the composition of toothpaste is made up of 20-42% water. The remaining components that make up toothpaste include abrasives to remove debris and stains, humectants to retain moisture, sweeteners to add flavor, thickening agents to stabilize the mixture, and detergents to create foam to clean the teeth. 

Contrary to popular belief, not all toothpastes use fluoride. However, the American Dental Association recommends using fluoridated toothpaste and encourages people to look for  toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA recommends fluoride toothpaste because fluoride works to strengthen the enamel, reduces the risk of decay, and has antimicrobial properties to prevent gum disease. 

Despite the fact that toothpaste is flavored with sweeteners, there is no sugar in toothpaste. Instead non-caloric sweeteners such as saccharin or sorbitol are used to give toothpaste its flavor. 

There are different types of toothpaste that can contain additional ingredients used for certain purposes. Some examples are whitening toothpaste which contains whitening agents and are more abrasive, desensitizing toothpaste which contain potassium nitrate or strontium chloride and are less abrasive, and tartar protection toothpaste which contain pyrophosphates or zinc citrate to prevent tartar accumulation. 

Abrasive agents in toothpaste help to remove stains and clean your teeth. Toothpaste abrasives can include calcium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, dehydrated silica gels, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts, and silicates. Certain toothpastes are more abrasive than others, for example whitening toothpaste is generally more abrasive than cavity protection toothpaste. 

How abrasive a toothpaste is on your enamel depends on its RDA, or relative dentin abrasivity. When you brush your teeth with only water, there is an RDA of 4, however when you add baking soda there is an RDA of 7. Toothpastes can range from low to extremely abrasive and are broken down into the following: Low abrasive toothpaste is said to range from 0-70, medium abrasive is 70-100, highly abrasive is 100-150, and harmfully abrasive is 150-250. Any toothpaste approved by the ADA falls below 250.