is teeth whitening safe? why you should swap peroxides for PAP teeth whitening
With so many teeth whitening products that immediately cause sensitivity, burning, and bleeding, it’s no wonder many people are asking: is teeth whitening safe? The conventional teeth whitening industry we know today has been dominated by peroxides for decades. The first peroxide-based whitening formulas were crafted back in 1960, and we feel that they haven’t been explored or questioned nearly enough in the last six decades. While these chemical whitening agents are known to get the job done, it’s no secret that they can cause some damage in the process. So, we’re covering some of the reasons peroxides cause so much discomfort while they whiten. We’re also going to discuss some natural teeth whitening alternatives that are starting to steal the spotlight from old formulas full of peroxides and fluoride. These cutting-edge whitening alternatives fuse PAP, an organic acid known for its whitening capabilities, and hydroxyapatite, your newest remineralizing superhero ingredient. Together, these two innovative ingredients work to whiten and brighten your smile without causing discomfort and long-term damage. In fact, they do the opposite by strengthening your teeth to nurture long term oral and overall health. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some ways you can make your whitening routine safer and gentler on your oral microbiome. is teeth whitening safe? Generally speaking, teeth whitening is safe, but there are potential risks. When using these products at home (especially conventional whitening products formulated with peroxides), it can be easy to misuse or overuse the product. We know it’s tempting to think that whitening more often might lead to an even brighter smile, but overuse can lead to some pretty unpleasant side effects. When it comes to answering the question, “Is teeth whitening safe?,” we recommend listening to your mouth. It will tell you when whitening is doing more harm than good through increased sensitivity, gum irritation, bleeding, and more. If it hurts to simply bite down after your whitening session, it might not be too safe after all. No matter what, we recommend consulting with your dentist before you start a new teeth whitening routine! the problem with peroxides Now you might be wondering why some whitening products immediately cause sensitivity and irritation, while others don’t. This has a lot to do with the concentration of peroxides (hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) in the product. Peroxides are the main bleaching agent in conventional whitening products, and it’s no secret that they get the whitening job done. But at what cost? For years, peroxides have been known to cause complications such as sensitivity, enamel erosion, gum irritation, bleeding, sores, and beyond. There’s a reason peroxide-based whitening products come with thorough instructions: keep the product from touching your gums, don’t let it sit on your teeth for too long, don’t use it too often, do not swallow, etc. To no surprise, many countries have placed restrictions and bans on peroxide-based products. The EU and Canada both have strict concentration limits, while Japan has completely banned hydrogen peroxide in cosmetics. If the product is paired with so many warnings and regulations around the world, is it truly safe? Don’t worry, we’re not saying you have to ditch teeth whitening altogether, but there is a gentler, natural alternative to peroxides: PAP teeth whitening. our preferred method, natural teeth whitening PAP teeth whitening is the more natural alternative to peroxide-based products. PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) is an organic acid that promotes bleaching, and it does so without releasing the same harmful atoms that peroxides do. These harmful atoms, aka free radicals, can cause damage to your mouth’s cells and tissues. If you move your tongue around your mouth, it’s easy to feel that there’s a lot of soft, cushy tissue all over. These cells and tissues are prone to irritation and inflammation, so we want to make sure we’re using products that are gentle and safe. Peroxides are also known to wear down your enamel and cause irritation and inflammation, which is why they cause so much sensitivity even after one use. Unlike peroxides, PAP teeth whitening products are often fortified with hydroxyapatite, an amazing ingredient that already exists in your enamel and works to remineralize it from the inside out. With help from hydroxyapatite, PAP teeth whitening methods actually work to strengthen your enamel, not wear it down. This reduces the risk of sensitivity and nurtures your oral health in the long run! With PAP you don’t have to deal with painful sensitivity right after a whitening session, so you can proudly and comfortably show off your bright white smile! how hydroxyapatite can help In addition to PAP teeth whitening products that are formulated with hydroxyapatite, you can get a daily dose of hydroxyapatite with our sensitive + whitening toothpaste. It’s made with amazing ingredients that work to fight tooth decay, reverse enamel damage, nourish your gums, relieve sensitivity, freshen your breath, and whiten your teeth! Gentle abrasives such as calcium carbonate and hydrated silica work to safely whiten and polish your teeth, while xylitol and baking soda work to kill bad bacteria and neutralize plaque-forming acids. Then, nano-hydroxyapatite particles bind to your enamel on a microscopic level, remineralizing damaged areas from the inside out to reduce decay and relieve sensitivity. Sounds like a pretty incredible whitening and remineralizing dream team, right? Until we make a special announcement about some new natural teeth whitening products, we encourage you to stock up on hydroxyapatite toothpaste for your brightest, strongest smile yet! buy now.
Learn more10 creative ways to celebrate world smile day + make it brighter with hydroxyapatite
Friday, October 6th is World Smile Day! Falling on the first Friday in October every year, World Smile Day is all about spreading kindness and happiness. We’re celebrating by exploring the history behind the holiday, some little-known fun facts about smiling, and some unexpected ways to spread smiles. With the potential to instantly boost your mood and increase your longevity, one smile has a lot more power than you might think! the story behind world smile day World Smile Day is the product of an iconic symbol: the smiley face.Harvey Ball created the smiley face in 1963, not knowing it would become one of the most famous (and happiest) symbols in the world. As the smiley face gained popularity, Harvey began to grow apprehensive about its commercialization, fearing its original meaning (to spread cheer) would get lost. (This is understandable, now that we often convey fake smiles through emojis on our phones.) In an effort to preserve the meaning behind the smiley face, Harvey created World Smile Day in 1999. From then on, the first Friday of October would be an annual celebration dedicated to smiles, kindness, and happiness. To get you feeling inspired about this delightful day, let’s dive into 10 fun facts about smiling! smiling alone can boost your mood by increasing serotonin + dopamine in the brain it calms your nervous system (in turn, relieving stress + boosting your immune system) smiling is often referred to as the “natural painkiller” it’s one of the few universal signs of happiness smiling uses anywhere from 5 to 53 facial muscles (depending on the smile) there are 19 different types of smiles babies can start smiling as soon as they’re born science says that smiling is contagious studies show that women smile more often than men smiling might increase longevity There you have it, one smile has the power to ignite a lot of positivity for yourself and the people around you! creative ways to celebrate world smile day The motto behind World Smile Day is: "Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile!” To celebrate, we’ve dreamed up 10 creative ways you can spread smiles. treat someone to their morning cup of coffee/tea make dinner for a neighbor/friend in need if you see a parking meter expired, add some money to it compliment someone out loud (often we think these things but don’t say them) leave a note with words of affirmation on someone’s car leave a treat outside for your mail/package carrier plant a new tree with a new friend write your partner an unexpected love note write a heartfelt thanks to your helpful coworker rake your neighbor's leaves when you go to do your own We’d love to hear the creative ideas you come up with! Be sure to share your stories about brightening someone’s day on World Smile Day. natural teeth whitening for a brighter smile We know it can feel hard to get excited about World Smile Day (or get all the benefits of smiling) when you’re not feeling confident about your smile. If you’ve ever felt insecure about the alignment of your teeth, the shade of your enamel, or anything in regard to your oral health, you know that your smile can have a huge impact on your self-esteem....often keeping you from avoiding the act altogether. Studies show that people who smile less seem less approachable and might not even get promoted as quickly as their smiling counterparts. To help you feel more confident about your smile, we’re sharing some of our favorite natural teeth whitening techniques. (In regards to issues with your oral health and alignment, we’re here to encourage you to make an appointment with your dentist.) hydroxyapatite toothpaste: brushing daily with Davids sensitive + whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste can work wonders for your white smile. Not only does science show that hydroxyapatite alone can lighten the shade of your teeth, but it does so by strengthening and remineralizing your enamel. The result is a bright white smile that actually feels better since hydroxyapatite remineralization provides both enamel repair and tooth sensitivity relief. natural mouthwash: while conventional mouthwash is all about wiping out all of the bacteria in your delicate oral microbiome, natural mouthwash works to reduce bad bacteria and stabilize your mouth’s pH without completely wiping it out. It does so by avoiding harmful ingredients such as alcohol and peroxides and instead using intentional ingredients such as xylitol and hydroxyapatite. As the natural mouthwash effectively balances the bacteria in your mouth, xylitol and nano hydroxyapatite work together as a remineralizing dream team to strengthen your enamel (and your confidence along with it). Stay tuned for a special announcement from us about a brand-new natural mouthwash! PAP teeth whitening: Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) is a natural alternative to peroxide-based chemical whitening that’s gentle on your enamel. Unlike peroxide-based products, PAP teeth whitening does not release damaging free radicals as it whitens. On top of this, PAP+ is formulated with nano hydroxyapatite, the natural hero ingredient that works to remineralize and strengthen your enamel on a molecular level. PAP teeth whitening comes in different forms, including toothpaste, mouthwash, gels, strips, and powders. You have a lot of options to choose from, which makes it easier to integrate this natural method into your routine! You can see that our favorite natural teeth whitening methods all have something in common: hydroxyapatite. It’s the secret (natural) ingredient to a bright white smile, one that actually feels strong and healthy....not sensitive and vulnerable. We hope you feel inspired to celebrate World Smile Day by doing something amazing for your smile...and spreading kindness to all the people who could use it! buy now.
Learn moredoes purple toothpaste work? how our natural whitening toothpaste outshines this tiktok star
Have you ever pressed your tongue against the back of your teeth and felt a rough, scratchy texture? That’s tartar. The back of your teeth should feel smooth and glossy when you rub your tongue against it. If it doesn’t feel smooth, it’s past time to schedule a deep cleaning with your dentist. What is tartar? Well first, we’re not talking about the sauce that pairs well with seafood and french fries. In the dental world, tartar is a hard, calcified substance that forms when plaque is not properly removed on a regular basis. So let’s talk about what happens when tartar forms, how you can prevent it, and how hydroxyapatite can help your teeth remain resilient against it. what is tartar, and why is it bad? Dental tartar is a bacteria-filled substance that forms when plaque hardens on your enamel. How does plaque harden? When it sits on your teeth for 24-72 hours. Yes, it’s that easy for tartar to form. That’s why a shocking 68% of adults have tartar...and why getting a deep clean from your dentist every six months is so important. Once this hardened substance bonds to your enamel, only dental professionals can remove it. They have special tools for this...because once tarter forms, brushing and flossing no longer cut it. If tartar is left untreated, it can lead to long-term issues like bad breath, cavities, gum disease, and gum recession. To avoid this, we’re covering some of the main ways you can prevent tartar buildup...and even cultivate resilience in the event that you do get it. best ways to prevent tartar buildup Practicing diligent oral care is the best way to prevent tartar buildup. You can start with these holistic oral care recommendations. Brush your teeth twice a day with Davids (for two minutes). While all of our toothpastes contain premium micro-abrasives that break down and remove plaque, our toothpaste with hydroxyapatite also remineralizes your enamel from the inside out...creating another line of defense against tartar. Choose the best toothbrush for you, and replace it every three months. Check out our previous article; it’ll help you decide which toothbrush is right for you. Remember, you use your toothbrush every day, so bacteria can live on it. Be sure to keep it clean and replace it every three months. Floss at least once every day, ideally before bed. Flossing is extremely important because it cleans the 40% of your teeth’s surfaces that are missed during brushing. Bacteria love to live in the tiny crevices between your teeth, so removing them is essential in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Scrape your tongue to remove excess bacteria. Bacteria also love to live on the cushy surface of your tongue. It’s porous and grooved, making it the perfect place for bad bacteria to flourish. Our tongue scraper (coming soon) is a one-handed, stainless steel device that smoothly removes bacteria from your tongue, making your mouth feel fresher than ever. Use a natural mouthwash at least once daily to enhance bacteria removal. Our natural mouthwash (coming soon) also contains hydroxyapatite. It’s alcohol-free and fortified with xylitol which helps to enhance saliva flow, fight bad bacteria, and stabilize the pH of your mouth. Visit your dentist for a deep cleaning and checkup every six months. Even if you don’t think you need it, a deep cleaning is always beneficial. You may have tartar buildup without even knowing it! Eat a mouth-friendly diet. Did you know that fibrous fruits and vegetables can actually act as “exfoliants” for your teeth, breaking up plaque as you eat them? To read more about the importance of nutrition in dental health, check out our previous article written by Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD. Avoid harmful products like tobacco, alcohol, and excess sugar. All of these things actually feed bad bacteria by drying out your mouth and coating your teeth with starches and contribute to dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, and beyond. Now, let’s dive into the specifics of nano hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and how it can help your teeth build even more resilience against issues like tartar buildup. building resilience against tartar with nano hydroxyapatite (n-HA) Hydroxyapatite already exists in your tooth’s enamel; it actually makes up 97% of it! So when you brush regularly with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, the particles bind to your tooth’s surface, filling in any holes and imperfections that have been caused by bacteria and wear + tear. The nano hydroxyapatite particles penetrate your teeth, providing a mineral boost from the inside out. In fact, our lab results proved that Davids Sensitive + Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste outperformed six leading competitors (Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Toms Sensitive). Our formula effectively remineralizes the tooth’s enamel better than the rest...check out the results for yourself! When your enamel is strong and mineralized, it has an easier time “defending itself” when tartar forms. Adding hydroxyapatite toothpaste to your daily oral care routine is one of the easiest ways to build resilience against oral issues like tartar buildup, tooth sensitivity, and beyond. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste / Peppermint Now.
Learn morewhy you should be excited about a peroxide-free future for teeth whitening
Much like toothpaste, the world of teeth whitening has been dominated by the same ingredients for decades. There’s no doubt that peroxides (hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) are effective at teeth whitening, but at what cost? Teeth whitening doesn’t have to be a miserable process destined for itching, burning, and sensitivity. It’s about time we update these old methods and get excited about a peroxide-free future for teeth whitening....one where PAP, hydroxyapatite, and other natural ingredients steal the spotlight. the history + reputation teeth whitening with peroxides Did you know that teeth whitening has been around for centuries? From sticks to acid to filing down the enamel, our ancestors really valued a pearly white smile too. In the late 19th century, dentists began using chlorine as a whitening agent. This was a super popular method until the early 20th century when hydrogen peroxide emerged. In 1960, dentist William Klusimer created the first peroxide-based whitening agents that remained popular for about a decade until formulas started getting stronger and stronger....and way harsher on the gums. At this point, people were already looking for ways to make peroxide-based teeth whitening less harsh. As a result, carbamide peroxide was born in 1989. This combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea (a crystalline compound) is less intense on the gum tissue and tends to have fewer negative effects than hydrogen peroxide alone. But because it’s essentially “diluted” hydrogen peroxide, it requires higher concentrations to produce the same whitening effects as hydrogen peroxide. Fast forward to today, and hydrogen peroxide + carbamide peroxide both still dominate the world of teeth whitening. Their reputations are mixed: on the one hand, they’re undeniably effective at bleaching and whitening teeth; on the other hand, they’re still very harsh and cause burning, itching, redness, swelling, and tooth sensitivity for many people. As a result, many countries have restrictions or bans placed on cosmetic products that contain hydrogen peroxide. The EU: Cosmetic products that contain over 6% hydrogen peroxide are banned in the EU. Products containing 0.1% or less can be sold directly to consumers, and those containing 0.1-6% must be sold to dental professionals. Canada: If the cosmetic product contains over 3% hydrogen peroxide, the product must display clear evidence that it’s safe for use and labels with strict cautionary statements. Japan: the use of hydrogen peroxide in cosmetics is strictly banned in Japan. The US: The FDA has stated that most peroxide-containing teeth whitening products fit the description of a cosmetic product, and cosmetics in the US do not require FDA approval. Consequently, peroxide-containing whitening products are not regulated in the US. No matter what country you’re in, many of these peroxide-based products contain warnings that instruct you to ensure you don’t swallow the formula, keep it away from your gums, and only keep it on your teeth for a very specific amount of time (not too long). At Davids, we believe that if your oral care products must carry these warnings, they’re not safe or reliable enough for regular use. To us, this is not oral “care”, so we prefer a more natural approach using PAP teeth whitening and natural whitening toothpaste. our favorite forms of natural teeth whitening From everyday whitening to target treatments, there are some amazing natural alternatives to hydrogen peroxide that can give you a sparkling white smile without all the negative side effects. PAP teeth whitening Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (aka PAP, since it’s such a mouthful) is a synthetic organic acid that promotes bleaching. This milder, more natural alternative to peroxide is effective at teeth whitening....without the harsh negative side effects. If you see it being called PAP+, that means it’s PAP formulated with hydroxyapatite, a remineralizing ingredient that’s known to strengthen the enamel and soothe sensitivity (you know, the one found in Davids Sensitive + Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste). So, how does PAP teeth whitening avoid the negative side effects of peroxides? Well, peroxides release free radicals (unstable, damaging atoms) as they work their whitening magic. These free radicals can damage your tissues and cells. Remember, the tissues that line your cheeks and gums are very sensitive, so they’re prone to irritation and inflammation. PAP teeth whitening does not release free radicals as it works, so it’s a lot gentler on the mouth. Sounds pretty good to us! Maybe it’s finally time to update an old trend that’s been dominated by peroxides since 1960. natural teeth whitening with Davids Every flavor of our toothpaste contains ingredients that work to polish and whiten your teeth, some of which include: calcium carbonate: this mild abrasive assists in reducing plaque and surface stains as well as whitening and polishing your teeth. Our calcium carbonate comes from a quarry in PA, and our suppliers process it to meet the strictest standards for purity. baking soda: this popular ingredient works to neutralize plaque-forming acids in your mouth while removing surface stains, whitening, and polishing. hydrated silica: this material, which is naturally derived from silica (a material that makes up 12% of the earth’s surface), also works to safely whiten and polish your teeth. While other brands may use low-quality silica imported from around the world, we use the highest quality USA-made hydrated silica with ultra-fine microscopic particles to ensure it’s safe for everyday use on your enamel. sodium cocoyl glutamate: this natural alternative to SLS is derived from coconut materials. It’s used to create a mild and gentle foaming action, allowing our other ingredients to distribute efficiently throughout your oral microbiome. This helps the Davids cleaning and whitening process! On top of these amazing ingredients, our sensitive + whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste contains hydroxyapatite (surprise!), which is another incredible ingredient that works to whiten your teeth while strengthening your enamel. Research shows that hydroxyapatite has the ability to whiten your teeth while simultaneously remineralizing your enamel to relieve sensitivity. This is a refreshing combination, as conventional peroxide-based whitening products can damage your enamel and cause significant sensitivity. There you have it, teeth whitening solutions that nurture your holistic health. buy premium toothpaste now.
Learn moreeverything you need to know about smarter, cleaner oral care
Better oral care begins with knowledge. That’s why our dental care blog goes beyond trends to share insights that help you make health- and earth-conscious choices for your smile.
Learn about everything from innovations like nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) to understanding what natural whitening involves. This oral health care blog breaks down the science with clarity to make it easy to understand and apply.
the Davids difference
Davids story began with a mission: to create premium oral care that’s good for people and the planet.
Every decision we make stems from integrity and respect for the environment. We use premium, naturally sourced and derived, USA-origin ingredients, recyclable metal tubes, and sustainable packaging.
As a family-owned and operated business going up against the giants of the toothpaste industry, we hold ourselves to higher standards because clean doesn’t just describe our premium ingredients; it describes our values, too.
You can read about these values and more in our transparent dental care blog.
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If you’re trying to live clean, we’re the toothpaste brand for you and your family. From recyclable packaging and aluminum tubes to our commitment to USA-based production, we’ve built sustainability into every step of our process.
We’re helping make conscious care a daily habit by reducing waste and supporting local manufacturing.
Learn, question, and smile brighter. Our oral health blog is an open space for learning and exploration. We hope each post will help you think differently about oral health and feel more empowered in your daily care routine.
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