Davids blog
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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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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