Precipitated silica comprising porous silica particles having a cumulative surface area for all pores having diameters greater than 500 .ANG. of less than 8 m.sup.2/g, as measured by mercury intrusion, and a percentage cetylpyridinium chloride (% CPC) Compatibility of greater than about 55%. The precipitated silica product is especially well-adapted for use in dentifrices containing cetylpyridinium chloride, which do not attach to the low surface area silica product in a meaningful level and thus remain available for antimicrobial action. Processes for making the silica product are also provided.