Davids blog
10 best summer foods that work with (not against) your vegan toothpaste
The sun is shining and the carefree spirit of summer is calling! From backyard BBQ sodas to sweet summer treats, the indulgences of the season can be hard on your teeth. But they don’t have to be. There are so many summer foods out there that are actually good for your teeth. So we put together a fun list of fresh summer vegan foods that play a special role in nurturing your oral health....in other words, ones that work with your favorite vegan toothpaste, not against it. Just when you think you know all about which foods are good for your oral health, you find out that kale contains more calcium than milk, and raw onions have the power to fight the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Trust us, there are plenty of surprises on this list. 1: kale When comparing 100g of kale to 100g of milk, kale has twice the amount of calcium....and only a quarter of the sugar! Now, what does this mean for your oral health? You may have heard this before, but calcium works to strengthen your enamel, defending against decay and sensitivity caused just like our vegan toothpaste! Kale is also high in the following essential nutrients, no wonder they call it a superfood! vitamin B6: an excellent anti-inflammatory vitamin vitamin A: helps your body produce saliva and absorb calcium vitamin C: plays a key role in cell growth, regeneration, and repair, which are all essential for gum health! vitamin K: this less-famous vitamin helps your body build a strong bone structure, working with vitamin D to deliver calcium to your bones potassium: potassium works with magnesium to regulate your blood acidity levels, helping your teeth and bones retain and use calcium more efficiently phosphorous: this natural teeth protectant is important for strong enamel, supporting calcium as it builds strong bones and teeth folate: supports blood cell health and tissue health, keeping your gums healthy while fighting off disease and inflammation Like many of the other fruits and vegetables on this list, kale is high in fiber. Getting adequate fiber in your diet can help with digestion, blood sugar regulation, managing cholesterol, and beyond. Fibrous fruits and veggies are also known to “exfoliate” your teeth due to their rough nature (kinda like the nature-derived micro abrasives in our vegan toothpaste). This can help fight off bad bacteria throughout the day! 2: apples Just like kale, apples are high in fiber and work as a “natural toothbrush.” While research shows that crunching on an apple doesn’t really reduce plaque, it does reduce the effects of bacteria in your saliva. In fact, eating an apple immediately reduces bacteria in your saliva in a similar manner as brushing with your favorite vegan toothpaste. 3: carrots You may have heard that carrots are good for your vision, but do you know how good they are for your teeth? They contain a nutrient that transforms into vitamin A in the body, which helps your body produce saliva, absorb calcium, and repair your mucous membranes. They also contain high levels of keratin, which helps to break down plaque and tartar and strengthen your enamel. On a separate note, carrots also contain a very specific fiber that “pulls” excess estrogen from your system, helping you detox estrogen in a healthy way (for both men and women). This contributes to a better overall hormone balance, which is very important for your gut, liver, metabolic function, and holistic health. 4: oranges If you’re going to indulge in a sugary snack this summer, make it an orange! Oranges are high in vitamin C, a nourishing antioxidant that can help your gums fight infection and disease. Research shows that low levels of vitamin C in the body can increase your risk for gum bleeding (an early sign of gingivitis). One medium-sized navel orange contains just about enough vitamin C to meet your recommended daily amount! Remember, just like other citrus fruits, the acidity of an orange can be damaging to your enamel. While we don’t recommend eating an orange every single day, make it an “every once in a while” sweet treat. To be extra safe on your enamel, you can always brush with our plant based toothpaste directly after eating an orange. 5: raw onions Okay, maybe raw onions aren’t the best for your breath, so be sure to keep Davids travel-sized toothpaste on you for this one. Research shows that the juice from a raw onion can fight four species of bacteria related to tooth decay and gum disease! Be sure to add this flavorful, bacteria-fighting veggie to your summer salads! 6: melons Many melons are high in vitamin C, which we know is great for your oral health. But they also contain high concentrations of water! While it may seem silly to “eat” your water, this approach can help to increase your water intake in the hot summer months. The water content from melons can stimulate saliva production and prevent dry mouth, which is essential when it comes to preventing plaque buildup, enamel wear, and gum disease. 7: parsley and cilantro Just like kale, herbs like parsley and cilantro are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, calcium, and folate. These flavorful herbs are also known for their antibacterial properties, fighting bad breath and plaque buildup throughout the day. 8: sunflower seeds Sunflower seeds are a summer classic! This delicious snack is high in arginine, an amino acid that’s known to help you maintain a healthy pH in your mouth, relieve sensitivity, and provide a small dose of calcium to your body. 9: cucumbers Just like melons, cucumbers are packed full of water! Did you know that they’re 96% water? Their crunchy, watery composition is great for your teeth and gums. As the water stimulates saliva flow and flushes out bad bacteria, the crunchy texture exfoliates your teeth and gums to break down plaque and protect your enamel. 10: strawberries Another vitamin-C-rich food, strawberries can help defend against infection. In addition to providing antioxidants to your body and reducing inflammation, vitamin C can also stimulate collagen production in your body, which can promote “thicker” and healthier gums to help prevent periodontal disease. don’t forget Davids, the best vegan toothpaste While these foods have some surprising oral health benefits, they don’t replace vegan toothpaste. Our vegan toothpaste is formulated with intentional ingredients that work together to fight bacteria, break down plaque, strengthen your enamel, freshen your breath, and whiten your smile....with no animal by products! Give it a try, and you’ll see why so many people consider it the best vegan toothpaste. buy now.
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our top five tips for nurturing your mouth-gut connection as a vegan
At Davids, we’re focused on a holistic approach to health, one that considers each of your body’s systems and how they relate to each other. Unlike conventional oral care brands, we do not view the mouth as a standalone system that should be treated in a way that disregards the rest of your body. That’s why we’ve developed natural, vegan toothpaste that not only nourishes your oral health but also promotes full body health. We acknowledge that, as a vegan, it can feel hard to create a routine that checks all the boxes. There are so many mixed messages out there about what foods and products to prioritize, how important protein actually is, and so on. To clear up some confusion, we’re sharing our top five tips for cultivating a vegan self-care routine that really considers your gut and oral health. Of course, our vegan toothpaste is one of the crucial pieces! 1: understand the symbiotic connection Your gut health and oral health are very closely intertwined. After all, your mouth is the window to your gut; it’s the place where digestion starts! Your gut also impacts countless systems in your body...from your heart health to your mental health. When you begin to view these areas of your body as interconnected systems, it becomes easier and more intuitive for you to nurture them as a whole. You start to realize that the products you use in your mouth can affect your gut, and the food you feed your gut can have far-reaching impacts on your oral and overall health. This realization is key to optimizing your health from a holistic perspective. 2: focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods We’ve said this before, but one of the easiest ways to nurture your oral and gut health at the same time is to prioritize whole foods over processed foods. With the rise of faux meats, it can be tempting to rely on processed foods to meet your protein and calorie intake as a vegan, but we want to encourage you to see through the promise of processed foods. Not only can they disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth and gut, but they can also cause serious, long-term issues if consumed consistently. Research shows that processed vegan foods can increase the risk of heart disease, boating, weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and beyond. On the flip side, the same research also reveals that a whole food plant-based diet (full of a variety of fruits, vegetables, cooked foods, raw foods, and vibrant colors) has the power to drastically reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease! Did you know that specific foods such as mint, strawberries, carrots, apples, leafy greens, and nuts+seeds have the power to reduce bad bacteria in your mouth+gut, provide antioxidants, exfoliate your teeth, and deliver essential vitamins and nutrients? You can learn more about these awesome foods in our previous article here. To put it simply, your daily diet has the power to beautifully nourish or greatly disrupt your holistic health. Choose wisely! 3: eat balanced meals with protein + probiotics The good news is that whole, plant-based foods are often naturally rich in probiotics! Because other probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt are off limits, it’s important to focus on gut-boosting foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented beets, and more to nourish your gut lining and strike a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth and gut. It’s also extremely important to be conscious of your protein intake, as fruits and vegetables tend to be more carb-heavy (which can feed the bad bacteria in your mouth and gut and lead to long-term demineralization in your teeth). Your skin, muscles, organs, tissues, and beyond all need adequate protein to function properly. Studies show low protein intake may be associated with gut microbiota imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, compromised immune function, and more. We recommend prioritizing the “thirds” approach to building your meals throughout the day: ⅓ vegetables, ⅓ complex carbs, and ⅓ lean protein such as legumes. 4: use the best vegan toothpaste When our founder, Eric, was formulating our vegan toothpaste, he was shocked to find out how many people had no idea that most conventional toothpastes contain animal byproducts. Glycerin is a popular one, and it’s often derived from animal fat. This thick liquid gives toothpastes, soaps, and lotions “body” and moisture due to its gooey nature. But our vegan toothpaste uses vegetable glycerin for the same thick, moistening effect. Our vegetable glycerin enhances the fresh flavor of our premium mint essential oils, and it also keeps our paste from separating in the tube. In addition to only using the highest quality plant-based ingredients, our vegan toothpaste is also Leaping Bunny Certified. Currently, Leaping Bunny is the only globally recognized symbol to certify the product is cruelty-free, has not undergone any animal testing throughout the supply chain, and contains no animal byproducts. Using our cruelty free toothpaste every morning and night is one easy way to care for your oral health, gut health, and overall health while sticking to your vegan values. 5: hone in on hydroxyapatite Research has indicated that a vegan diet may predispose you to demineralization, making your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay. One of the best ways to remineralize your teeth in a holistic, vegan way is to introduce hydroxyapatite toothpaste into your daily routine. Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste contains microscopic nano-hydroxyapatite particles that penetrate your tooth’s enamel to remineralize it from the inside out. Hydroxyapatite naturally makes up 90% of your enamel, so replenishing this mineral through your daily oral care routine is an amazing way to care for your oral and overall health. It’s important to note here that, in addition to hydroxyapatite, every single one of the ingredients in our vegan toothpaste is intentional. They are all there to do a job....whether it’s reducing bad bacteria, enhancing your saliva production, or polishing the surface of your teeth. Our formulas never contain artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, or harsh chemicals....and this standard makes our vegan toothpaste the best choice for your holistic health. buy now.
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are you making your own vegan toothpaste? why we recommend making the switch to Davids
Are you making your own vegan toothpaste? If the answer is yes, we admire your effort. We support anyone who’s looking to reduce their waste, minimize their shipping emissions, get more bang for their buck, and avoid any harmful ingredients that come in conventional toothpaste. Why do we get excited about these things? Because these are some of our driving values at Davids too! Our founder, Eric, spent four years consulting dental expects to develop the perfect vegan toothpaste formulas....ones that truly nurture your oral + overall health with natural, effective, intentional ingredients. Our formulas are made from 98% premium domestically sourced ingredients, packaged in sustainable, recyclable packaging (have you seen our aluminum toothpaste tubes?), and avoid potentially harmful conventional ingredients such as SLS, triclosan, chemical numbing agents, hydrogen peroxide, and so many more. To hear that you’re creating your own DIY vegan toothpaste hits home for us. While we admire the effort, we’re here to tell you that there’s an easier, more effective way to care for your pearly whites. The secret? Davids Premium Toothpaste. Let’s take a look at why it outperforms homemade vegan toothpaste formulas. what’s usually in DIY vegan toothpaste? Most DIY vegan toothpaste recipes contain some variation of the following ingredients. coconut oil: coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, so it’s a popular “base” ingredient in DIY vegan toothpaste. olive oil: known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, olive oil is often added to DIY toothpaste. Because of its viscous nature, some believe it can bind to plaque, remove it, lift surface stains, and neutralize your mouth. In many cases, coconut and olive oils are used to oil pull, a process that involves holding oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes and swishing it around so that the oil can “pull out” any toxins. If you wish to add oil to your oral care routine, we recommend oil pulling rather than creating a toothpaste centered around oil. bentonite clay: instead of oils, some like to use food-grade bentonite clay to achieve that pasty texture in their DIY vegan toothpaste. Clay has been used for centuries as a detox tool, and it’s known to impart benefits such as oral health improvements, digestive soothing, and allergy relief. baking soda: this ingredient (which is also found in Davids) is known in the oral care world for its ability to neutralize plaque-forming acids in your mouth, remove surface stains, and whiten + polish teeth. essential oils: common essential oils are peppermint and cinnamon to give the DIY toothpaste a hint of flavor and add antibacterial and antioxidant benefits. At Davids, our formulas contain premium essential oils such as peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen grown in the USA. salt: some add salt to their DIY vegan toothpaste to help reduce gum inflammation, disinfect the mouth, and promote saliva production. While there’s nothing wrong with these ingredients, we believe that it’s more reliable and effective to combine some of these ingredients with other high-quality oral care ingredients....in a formula that’s been created by the experts. Hint hint, Davids Premium Toothpaste fits that description. is homemade vegan toothpaste safe? Most experts agree that homemade toothpaste, in general, is not the best option for your long-term oral health. Not all natural, immediately-available ingredients are safe. Finding the perfect ingredient lineup and concentration takes a lot of time, experience, and effort. The truth is, many of the DIY toothpaste recipes out there are made by people who have no experience or credentials in regard to oral care. We recommend that you play it safe with a commercial vegan toothpaste that has already done all of the expert consultation, research, and formulation for you....like Davids! why Davids is the best vegan toothpaste Think back to the driving factors for creating your own DIY vegan toothpaste....the ones we covered in the introduction of this article: less waste, a smaller shipping footprint, and trusted ingredients. Davids checks all of these boxes! Not to mention, we’ve done all of the researching, formulating, perfecting, and mixing for you. sustainable packaging: our vegan toothpaste is packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum toothpaste tubes and FSC-certified paperboard packaging. We also give you the option to remove the plastic cap, metal tube roller, and outside paper box if you want to further minimize waste. Just add ***REMOVE CAP*** ***REMOVE TUBE KEY*** ***REMOVE BOX*** in the “Address 2” line at checkout. domestic sourcing: unlike many (if not all) toothpaste brands out there, we use 98% USA-origin ingredients. Not only does this ensure premium quality and support domestic jobs, but it also means that our shipping footprint is way smaller than most toothpaste brands. When you order from us, you can feel proud knowing your purchase is better for the planet. cost efficiency: while the price tag of our vegan toothpaste might not scream cost efficiency up front, we assure you that a little bit of Davids goes a long way. Our formulas were created to pack a punch of benefits in a small, pea-sized squeeze of toothpaste. That means an entire tube of Davids can last you a long time. Plus, if you subscribe (at whatever delivery pace you want), you can save 10% on every single order. intentional ingredients: take a look at our ingredient list, which contains no animal by products. This list has a lot more than your average DIY vegan toothpaste: hydrated silica for whitening + polishing, xylitol for bacteria reduction and saliva production, calcium carbonate for plaque breakdown, and even hydroxyapatite for revolutionary enamel remineralization. Not to mention, our formulas contain the perfect concentration of each ingredient. When you use Davids every day, you have peace of mind knowing that your vegan toothpaste is effectively nurturing your oral (and overall) health. You just can’t get this from a simple “how to make toothpaste” search! buy now.
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our top five tips for navigating the holiday season as a vegan
As a brand centered around cruelty-free, vegan toothpaste, we understand the importance and passion behind veganism. Whether you’re a strict vegan or simply trying to reduce your reliance on meat or animal products, we want to support you. It’s no secret that the holiday season often centers around food and gifts, all of which can involve animal-based products and byproducts. This can be challenging, especially if you feel like you’re the only one in your circle who follows a vegan lifestyle. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this quick guide with our top five tips for navigating the holiday season as a vegan. We hope it provides you with some encouragement, so you can fully enjoy your holidays and continue on your vegan journey with confidence and positivity. 1: prepare for questions If you’re an experienced vegan, you probably already know that it comes with a lot of questions. How do you get enough protein? Isn’t your body undernourished? What do you eat every day? Come on, don’t you make exceptions for special occasions? Why are you vegan, anyway? We know hearing these questions over and over can be frustrating, but they’re a little easier to handle when you come prepared. Don’t worry, we’re not looking to “school” you on your own diet. But the following reminders can make good responses to these questions. protein: lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and beans (including soybeans, tofu, and tempeh) are high in protein. These plant-based proteins are low in cholesterol, unlike their animal counterparts. Feel free to mention there are plenty of amazing athletes who are vegan! nutrients: a vegan diet focuses on overall nutrient profiles, rather than single nutrients. Whole foods are very nutrient-dense, and eating a wide variety of them makes for a nourishing diet. daily diet: if you don’t want to go through an entire “what I eat in a day,” you can simply explain that your diet is always changing, and you’re always trying new nutritious vegan recipes. special occasions: remember, your choice to eat meat or animal products on special occasions is your choice. We encourage you to let go of guilt whether you choose one way or another. You can simply explain to someone, “sure, I’ll eat some animal products over the holidays while still keeping them limited” or “no, my vegan diet does not change just because it’s the holidays.” remember your why: whether your “why” is advocating for animals or reducing your environmental footprint (or both), keeping it in mind will help you answer questions and remain confident in your decision. For a little inspiration: Davids’ founder, Eric, took four years to perfect our vegan toothpaste formula. All along, he kept his “why” in mind, knowing that he wanted to sustain nature+you while advocating for animal lives. You never know, these questions (and your awesome answers) might present a unique opportunity to inspire someone with your story. 2: never arrive hungry This tip is pretty straightforward: be sure to nourish your body with whole, plant-based foods before you go over to someone’s house for a holiday event. That way, you won’t be desperate to eat right when you get there (and realize that there might not be enough vegan options for you). Not to mention, when someone asks you what you eat every day as a vegan, you can reference the amazing vegan meal you just had earlier that day! 3: bring your favorite festive vegan dish To go off of the last tip, bring your favorite vegan dish! It could be fun to recreate a traditional dish with vegan ingredients, so you can show your loved ones it can be just as good without animal products. It can also be helpful to bring a main dish and a dessert dish, so you have something to eat at all times. Here are some ideas: sweet potato lasagna, mashed potatoes & gravy, shepherd’s pot pie, and easy vegan pumpkin pie. See who’s surprised to find out these dishes are vegan! 4: focus on the positive moments + common ground Although you might feel inundated with questions, remember that food is only one part of the holiday season! Instead of focusing on all the times you feel like you’re the “odd one out” eating only plant-based foods, we encourage you to focus on all the common ground: festive decorations seasonal songs fun games and traditions sports and activities sledding and ice skating holiday movies and shows shopping (especially when it’s shopping small, local, and sustainably) There are so many fun, festive things to do that do not hyper-focus on your vegan lifestyle. The holidays are all about coming together over love and celebration. Choose to cherish the warm, connective moments rather than harping on the moments that highlight your differences. 5: gift the best vegan toothpaste Open everyone’s eyes to the magic of vegan products, starting with our vegan toothpaste! Since it’s a gift that everyone can enjoy, it’s the perfect go-to gift to check off your holiday shopping list. Whether you’re looking for a classic mint flavor, our unique herbal citrus peppermint, our kids+adults watermelon strawberry, or our sensitive+whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste… you can be sure that our choice includes the highest quality vegan ingredients. Containing no animal by products, our vegan toothpaste is fortified with intentional ingredients such as premium peppermint oils, the highest quality micro-abrasives, enamel-strengthening hydroxyapatite, and hydrating xylitol. It’s perfect for everyday brushing and vegan teeth whitening. For more vegan tips inspo, and info, check out these previous articles. is your toothpaste vegan? why are we so passionate about providing you with vegan toothpaste? our top five tips for staying motivated on your vegan lifestyle journey the ultimate holistic wellness gift guide: from natural toothpaste to aromatherapy vegan vs. cruelty-free and why Davids is the best vegan toothpaste 10 easy vegan swaps for your everyday self-care products spring clean your vegan oral care routine with Davids + these seasonal foods You never know, the gift of Davids Natural Toothpaste might inspire someone you love to seek out more vegan self-care products. buy now.
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why are we so passionate about providing you with vegan toothpaste?
To us, “vegan toothpaste” is not just a label or a marketing ploy. It’s a commitment that’s central to our mission. You see, our mission is to provide you with the best natural toothpaste....one that sustains nature+you. How do we accomplish this? By creating a vegan toothpaste that utilizes thoughtfully-sourced, intentional ingredients. These ingredients not only work to nurture your oral + holistic health….but they also take a stand against animal cruelty and other unethical industry “norms”. When you grab your tube of Davids every single morning and evening, we want you to feel confident and comforted knowing that it’s the best choice for your mouth...and your conscience. With that being said, let’s dive into some of the details surrounding why we’re so passionate about providing you with the best vegan toothpaste out there. vegan toothpaste is few and far between Like many other personal care products, it’s not so obvious that toothpaste contains animal products. After all, you won’t find too many bacon-flavored toothpastes on the shelves. Our founder Eric attended many vegan trade shows during the four-year journey of formulating Davids Natural Toothpaste. He was shocked by how many people had no idea that their toothpaste contained animal by-products. This not only heightened his passion for formulating the best vegan toothpaste out there, but it also reminded him how important it is to bring more transparency and awareness into an industry dominated by the same few “big name” brands for decades. So, here we are, increasing your awareness and upholding our commitment to transparency. So, what are these sneaky animal-derived ingredients found in toothpaste (even some natural toothpaste)? glycerin: this thick, gooey liquid is often derived from animal fat (ours is derived from plants). You’ll find this ingredient in many toothpastes, lotions, and soaps, as it locks in moisture and keeps products from sticking to their casing. flavor: be wary of any toothpaste that lists “flavor” as an ingredient. Not only does this raise red flags regarding transparency, but it also allows brands to slip in ingredients that may be derived from animals, unfriendly to your body, or both. calcium phosphate: you’ll find that some fluoride toothpastes contain calcium phosphate, as it enhances the performance of fluoride. This ingredient is often derived from rock or bone meal. propolis: some natural toothpaste (not ours) contains propolis, an ingredient that’s said to kill bacteria in place of harsh chemicals. Propolis is produced by honeybees, making it a non-vegan ingredient. You can rest assured that every single tube of Davids is 100% vegan and contains no animal by-products. We use a premium vegetable glycerin that’s produced right here in the US, and all of our other bacteria-fighting, enamel-strengthening, and breath-freshening ingredients are derived from natural plant and mineral sources. too many toothpastes are tested on animals It’s important to note that even if a toothpaste does not contain animal-derived ingredients, it may still test on animals. In our book, that means they’re not vegan. We’re sad to report that most mainstream toothpastes are still tested on animals. How have they been getting away with this for so long? Well, probably because no brand is going to stamp “we test on animals” across their packaging, so they’re able to swipe their practices under the rug. Many big-name brands will say that they’re committed to working towards eliminating animal testing and that most of their testing is done using databases and non-animal techniques. However, they keep animal testing as an option when they can’t find any other means to ensure their product is safe for consumers. In our opinion, if you can’t ensure the safety of an ingredient unless you test it on a group of animals in a lab, it probably shouldn’t be in a personal care product that you use every single day (especially in your mouth). It’s estimated that up to 500,000 animals around the world suffer and die as a result of cosmetic product testing. Toothpaste is one of those cosmetic products. The truth is, unless it’s labeled as a cruelty free toothpaste (like we are), you can’t be sure it avoids animal testing. Toothpaste is a product you use twice daily, so we deeply understand the desire for a toothpaste that does not contribute to animal cruelty...and one that does not use questionable ingredients that would even require animal testing! That’s exactly why we made cruelty free toothpaste that’s safe for you and animals. Davids is certified by Leaping Bunny, the only organization with an internationally-recognized symbol that certifies no animal tests were used in the development of a product. Finally, a vegan toothpaste you can safely rely on. our vegan toothpaste is cruelty free and effective Not only is our vegan toothpaste certified cruelty-free, but it’s also effective in maintaining and optimizing your oral health. Unlike other toothpastes that stuff fillers, preservatives, and emulsifiers into their formulas, every single one of our ingredients serves a purpose (and often, more than one purpose). For example: Our vegetable glycerin doesn’t just keep your toothpaste from hardening and sticking to the tube. It also works to activate your saliva glands to help prevent and/or reduce dry mouth. Our premium peppermint oils and birch-derived xylitol don’t just enhance the fantastic, fresh taste of our natural toothpaste. They also work to kill bad bacteria and keep plaque from forming on your teeth. This is just the tip of the iceberg! You can learn more about our intentional vegan ingredients here. Always remember, they were chosen to sustain nature+you, so you can rest easy knowing our vegan toothpaste has your best interest at heart. buy now.
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our top five tips for staying motivated on your vegan lifestyle journey
Maintaining a vegan lifestyle isn’t always easy. Whether it’s work, travel, peer pressure, or a simple lack of motivation that’s challenging you....we’d like to share a few tips that could help boost your motivation when you need it the most. As a vegan toothpaste brand built on a mission to sustain nature+you, we want to do whatever we can to support you on this journey. 1: always keep your “why” in the forefront of your mind Whether your “why” is advocating for animal lives or reducing your environmental footprint (or both and then some), we recommend writing these reasons down and keeping them nearby. If your vegan lifestyle journey gets hard, you’ll want to look at your “why” to boost your motivation whenever you need to. For a little extra inspiration… The journey to making the best vegan toothpaste out there was no walk in the park. In fact, it took our founder Eric four years to perfect our plant based toothpaste. But he always kept his “why” in mind. He wanted Davids Natural Toothpaste to stand out from the rest, ensuring that it always sustains nature+you. Well, you can’t sustain nature without advocating for animal lives, so Eric made sure that: Davids has zero animal derived ingredients. Who knew that so many toothpastes on the market (even the natural toothpaste) contained animal fats? You can rest assured knowing that Davids contains no animal by products. Davids is never tested on animals. Maintaining the Leaping Bunny certification has always been a central part of our mission. We’re proud to offer you a certified cruelty free toothpaste. On top of this, our ingredients are safe, clean, effective, and sourced+derived from nature. 2: focus on progress over perfection Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Instead of focusing on what you can’t seem to do, focus on what you can. Have you ever heard of reducetarianism? It’s the idea that your lifestyle does not have to be “all-or-nothing” to make a difference. Reducetarianism celebrates your effort to introduce small, sustainable changes into your everyday life. If thousands of people make small changes (like switching to vegan toothpaste!), and these changes compound over time...we might actually make a bigger difference than if just a few people achieved vegan perfection. We don’t say this to discourage you from seeking a fully vegan lifestyle. If that feels achievable for you (or if you’ve already been doing it for years), major props to you! But for those of you who are struggling to stay “on track,” try to focus on the things that feel doable right now. Swap out your self-care products. You can start by swapping your current toothpaste with our effective cruelty free toothpaste. Commit to meatless Mondays. Did you know that skipping one (quarter-pound) serving of beef on “Meatless Monday” could save 425 gallons of water and enough energy to power an iPhone for six months? If done for one year, it could eliminate the same amount of emissions that result from driving a car 348 miles. This goes to show that small, collective efforts compounded over time can make a real difference. Once you master these habits, we encourage you to reduce your use of animal products even further. 3: listen to your body When it comes to staying motivated on your journey as a vegan, it’s important that your body actually feels good. It’s hard to stick to anything that makes you feel less-than-awesome. That’s why it’s so important to listen to your body’s cues. Whether you’re experiencing bloating, hunger, fatigue, sensitive teeth, or anything else during your journey....it’s important to identify these things early on and make changes that will improve your experience. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity or any other mouth-related issues, we first recommend visiting your dentist for an evaluation. Once you ensure everything is okay, we recommend brushing twice daily with our sensitive+whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral derived from calcium that already exists naturally in your teeth. It’s common (but not a sure thing) that many vegans do not get enough calcium in their diet, so it’s important to supplement with hydroxyapatite toothpaste. The nano-particles in our hydroxyapatite toothpaste will bind to and penetrate the outer surface of your teeth, remineralizing your teeth from the inside out. This can help relieve sensitivity and ensure your teeth stay strong and resilient throughout your vegan journey. 4: eat whole, nutrient-dense foods Filling your diet with whole, nutrient-dense foods can also help you give your body what it needs to thrive. Specific plant based foods (in tandem with plant based toothpaste) have the power to promote your oral health, gut health, and overall health. If you’re wondering about the importance of nutrition for your dental health, check out our previous article here. While this article includes some non-vegan foods, Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD provides awesome advice on which foods to add to your diet to promote your oral health...and which ones to avoid. You’ll also want to check out our guide for choosing foods that administer necessary nutrients to your teeth....some of which include fibrous fruits, leafy greens, and plenty of nuts and seeds. 5: keep your favorite products stocked Whether your favorite vegan product is a plant based protein bar, a luxurious lotion, or Davids Natural Toothpaste, stay prepared by stocking up. If you’re not prepared, you might find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to your favorite vegan products....or any vegan products at all! (By the way, you can find some of our favorite vegan swaps for your everyday self-care products here.) We want to make it easy for you to always have vegan toothpaste on hand. That’s why we’ve developed six delicious flavors including our hydroxyapatite toothpaste and NEW kids + adults strawberry watermelon toothpaste....and two travel-sized tubes, too! Stock up on your favorite flavors before you need to. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. buy now.
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is your toothpaste vegan?
is your toothpaste vegan? In a world where you have thousands of toothpaste options at your fingertips, Davids Toothpaste was...quite literally...made to stand out. While there are so many things that set Davids apart from the rest, we wanted to take a deeper dive into a topic that we feel is extremely important in the world of toothpaste...and the self-care industry as a whole. So, to celebrate the debut of our blog, we’re answering the seemingly simple question, “What makes us so proud to be a vegan toothpaste?” Don’t be fooled, the answer is both multi-layered and jaw-dropping. But at least we know if you already use Davids, that dropped jaw leaves behind a pleasant aroma of fresh, USA-grown mint. aren’t all toothpastes vegan? First things first...let’s examine what it means to be a vegan product. To be vegan, a product must: Not contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Certify that its processes are cruelty-free and do not include animal testing. You might be surprised to find out that a lot of toothpastes that have long dominated the market are not vegan. During the 4-year-long journey of creating Davids, our founder Eric David Buss realized that many people...even those who regularly attended vegan trade shows...were shocked by this. Most toothpastes contain glycerin, a thick liquid with moistening and flavor-enhancing qualities. Its gooey nature adds body to liquid products, preserves them by locking in moisture, and keeps them from sticking to their casing. Glycerin has been used in the personal care industry for decades in products like toothpaste, shower products, surface cleaners, soaps, and more. (Fun fact: glycerin is also known for its use in the soap opera industry. When applied to the eyes...which we don’t recommend...it acts as an instant tear-jerker, allowing actors to easily cry on-command.) But what a lot of people don’t realize...and a lot of companies like to sweep under the rug...is that the glycerin in toothpaste and other personal care products often comes from animal fats. As a good rule of thumb, if a product doesn’t outwardly claim to be vegan and simply lists “glycerin” in its ingredient list...sans “vegetable” or “plant-based”...it’s probably not vegan. It’s also important to note that even if a brand uses strictly plant-based ingredients, it’s possible that they still test on animals. Be sure to look out for the Leaping Bunny Logo, which is currently the only internationally recognized symbol certifying that no animal tests were used in the development of a product. At Davids, we’re committed to staying true to our definition of natural toothpaste which means we’ll always be 100% vegan, cruelty-free, using only naturally derived ingredients, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. To accomplish this, we use vegetable glycerin that’s naturally derived from soy plants and processed into a pure, food-grade ingredient. On top of this, we proudly sport the Leaping Bunny certification, source and derive all of our ingredients from nature, and use innovative, sustainable packaging. what are some amazing ingredients in our vegan toothpaste? Non-GMO Vegetable Glycerin Our non-gmo vegetable glycerin is made with vegetable oil derived from soy. The vegetable oils are processed until the glycerin splits from the fatty acids to form a food-grade, syrup-like liquid. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not glycerin is safe for your teeth...you’re not the only one, but we’re here to set the record straight. A glycerin-tainting rumor popped up in 1997, when chemist Dr. Gerard Judd wrote “Good Teeth from Birth to Death.” He claimed that glycerin coats your enamel and would require 20 rinses to get off...preventing your enamel from naturally rebuilding when it needs to. However there’s actually no scientific evidence to back up these claims, and they’ve since been refuted. Holistic dentist Dr. Gerry Curatola reaffirms that glycerin is water-soluble...it dissolves easily, has prebiotic qualities, and does not harm your enamel. Hydrated Silica On the topic of enamel...our high-quality, ultra-fine hydrated silica cleans and polishes your enamel while whitening and removing surface stains. Hydrated silica has had its fair run around the rumor mill too...since it’s considered an abrasive ingredient. Don’t worry, we don’t mind clearing things up here either. Firstly, abrasive ingredients are not inherently bad. They’re actually fundamental in removing surface stains and improving the efficiency of cleaning. Toothpastes are rated on a scale of Relative Dentin Abrasivity to assess their potential abrasive harm. Davids is rated as a low abrasive toothpaste...making it safe for everyday use. Low-quality imported silica with large abrasive particles run the risk of damaging your enamel. But at Davids...we use only the highest quality, USA-made hydrated silica. The ultra-fine, microscopic particles safely clean your enamel without damaging it. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is our naturally derived replacement for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a synthetic detergent and common irritant found in many legacy toothpastes. Our Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is comes from coconut. It gives our toothpaste a mild foaming action, allowing the rest of our naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients to spread throughout your mouth...while cleaning and whitening as you brush. Our Other Vegan Ingredients Read our full list of vegan, naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients...and our definition of natural...in our Natural Statement. what are some benefits of vegan toothpaste? It’s better for the environment. Animal agriculture makes up 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions...more than the emissions from all forms of transportation combined. One of the biggest ways to make a positive impact on the environment is to reduce your reliance on animal products and not-so-obvious animal byproducts. By using only plant-based glycerin in our toothpaste, we’re able to completely eliminate this industry from our products...and avoid contributing to that massive 18%. Using plant-based toothpaste may seem small compared to eating a plant-based diet, but consider how many oral care products we use every single day. These things add up! It’s also important to remember that as our toothpaste goes down the drain, it doesn’t just disappear...the pipe ends somewhere. The EPA considers personal care products “contaminants of emerging concern”, as they can end up back in our surface and groundwater. This allows the chemicals in mainstream toothpastes to pollute the environment and severely impact biodiversity. But because our ingredients are derived from nature...the particles potentially released back into the environment from Davids actually belong there. As an important sidenote, roughly 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes are tossed into landfills every single year...that’s ~50 per second! Davids comes in a recyclable metal tube (with a food-grade liner), and our plastic caps can be reused. Simply enter ***REMOVE CAP*** on the second line of your shipping address when ordering, and we’ll spare the plastic. We’re always brainstorming better ways to be an eco-friendly toothpaste. It advocates for animal lives. 500,000 animals suffer and die every year from animal testing in the cosmetic industry alone. 40 countries have already passed laws banning cosmetic testing on animals, but the USA still isn’t one of them. As a certified cruelty-free brand, you can rest easy knowing that your Davids purchase values and respects animal lives. Not only does the Leaping Bunny certification ensure that brands never test on animals, but it proactively advocates for animals...educating people on the topic, promoting new legislation, and working to develop safe alternative testing methods. When you seek out products that are Leaping Bunny certified like our cruelty-free toothpaste...other companies take note. By demanding these types of products, you can help to grow the list of 2,000+ companies committed to ending animal testing for good. It’s better for your entire body. When you think about it...your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. The things we consume...foods, drinks, medications, oral care products (unintentionally)...all enter through the mouth and play a massive role in our holistic health. A common pattern seen with mainstream toothpaste is...while some synthetic ingredients may help strengthen your enamel and clean your mouth...they do so at the risk of harming the rest of your body. As one example, all ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride...usually sodium fluoride to be exact...a synthetic, industrial form of the mineral. When too much fluoride is ingested (primarily from drinking water but amplified by products like toothpaste), it can have various toxic effects such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. While these are extreme cases, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to fluoride, we prefer avoiding the risk altogether. That’s why Davids is a fluoride-free toothpaste...and steers clear from all chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients. You can rest easy knowing your Davids toothpaste isn’t harming the rest of your body. As an EWG toothpaste, Davids meets the strictest standards for health and transparency established by the Environmental Working Group. It promotes transparency. Because we only use natural ingredients, and we’re certified cruelty-free...we have nothing to hide. We’re proud of our ingredients. We love to talk about where they come from, how they’re sourced and derived, and the benefits they provide. We also prefer confronting critiques and clearing up any confusion about our ingredients. On top of that, we’re proud of our processes. We pride ourselves on the operations behind our manufacturing, the ethics behind our testing, and the way we contribute to the U.S. economy. Everything we do is for nature+america+you, and we always want that to show through. So if you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It cleans your mouth. Though, we hope this one is obvious. Brushing regularly with Davids kills bacteria, reduces plaque, freshens breath, and whitens your teeth. We’re able to accomplish this without chemicals and other artificial ingredients...so we’re kinda wondering why any toothpaste uses them. seek out safe swaps. If any of these facts about toothpaste come as a surprise to you, we recommend checking out your other household products...shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soaps, surface cleaners...to see if they contain animal-derived, synthetic ingredients. If they do, don’t worry...our friends at Grove Collaborative, Goop, and The Detox Market make it easy to find alternatives that are vegan, natural, and sustainable. At the end of the day, our goal is to help you make safe and sustainable product swaps...without all the overwhelm. We want to do our part to make the process both relaxing and liberating for you! Since you (hopefully) brush twice a day, and your mouth is the window to your soul...oops, we mean the rest of your body and holistic health...we think making a safe toothpaste swap is the perfect place to start. buy now.
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