Davids blog
can cavities cause acne? how oral health can impact your skin health
Have you tried everything to clear your acne, but it just doesn’t seem to go away? Much like your smile, we understand how much skin conditions such as acne can affect your mood and confidence. And we want nothing more than to help you radiate every room you walk into. That’s why we’re so passionate about helping you understand the role of oral health in your overall health. Most people don’t see a pimple and immediately ask themselves, “When was the last time I went to the dentist?” But we’re here to encourage you to start thinking about your skin health from every angle! The truth is, oral health can have a huge impact on your skin health (among many other things such as gut health, genetics, diet, and beyond). When you start to think of your skin health as a product of all of these things, oral health included, you start to see the bigger picture that is holistic health....a topic we find very both interesting and inspiring! This is exactly why we’re diving into the connection between oral health and skin health, and how holistic oral care (with help from Davids) can help nurture both of these things. can cavities cause acne? The short answer is: yes! You can have the greatest skincare routine in the world, but if your oral health is in bad shape, the impacts might appear on your face. New research analysis shows a direct relationship between oral health and acne. When cavities, gingivitis, and/or oral infections are present, they generate an overgrowth of bacteria. One species in particular, propionibacterium (commonly found in pimples), can cause new breakouts to form. If you’re experiencing unexplained breakouts (especially along your jaws and cheek), it’s important to examine your oral health. Are you diligent about completing your oral hygiene routine? Are you up-to-date on your dentist visits? Being proactive about these things is one of the best ways to minimize the transfer of bacteria from your mouth to your skin. other impacts of oral health on skin health The same study links poor oral health with conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, emphasizing the impacts that oral health can have on your skin health. Severe eczema is linked to bleeding gums, and psoriasis is linked to high oral bacterial load, plaque burden, and periodontitis (gum disease). These skin conditions are a sign of inflammation, and often, that inflammation can originate in the mouth. We don’t say this to scare you, but rather, to enlighten you and inspire you to identify and address the root cause(s) of your skin conditions. Enhanced oral care might just be the missing ingredient your skin (and body) has been craving! how holistic oral health + hydroxyapatite can help The good news about holistic oral health is that it considers the whole picture. A holistic approach considers your mouth’s role in skin health and beyond (mental health, gut health, and organ health). When it comes to maintaining your holistic oral health, we strongly recommend adding hydroxyapatite toothpaste (aka nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste) to your routine. Why specifically toothpaste with hydroxyapatite? It works to remineralize your enamel from the inside out while working to achieve an optimal bacteria balance. By intentionally working to remineralize your enamel every day, you’re creating a stronger line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, plaque buildup, tooth sensitivity, and beyond. Not only does nano hydroxyapatite have amazing benefits, but it’s also biocompatible. Because it already exists in your body, there are no health risks associated with its daily use. That’s why you won’t find a poison control label on our hydroxyapatite toothpaste (or any of our toothpaste options). There are no associated side effects (unlike conventional toothpastes that contain fluoride). Now that’s holistic oral care at its finest! In addition to brushing twice daily with a third-party tested nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste (like ours!), we recommend the following healthy habits to further elevate your holistic oral health and prevent unwanted skin conditions. floss daily: remember that brushing alone can leave up to 30% of your tooth’s surface untouched. Flossing is crucial when it comes to taming the bacteria in the tiny crevices between your teeth. wash your face after brushing your teeth: especially if you’re a “messy brusher,” this can minimize the bacteria that transfer from your mouth to your skin. You don’t want this bacteria to linger on your skin after you’ve brushed. try a natural mouthwash with hydroxyapatite: an added dose of hydroxyapatite never hurts! Natural mouthwash works to achieve a healthy bacterial balance in your oral microbiome, rather than completely wiping out all bacteria. The hydroxyapatite particles in natural mouthwash work to remineralize your enamel even further. tongue scrape: your tongue is a soft, cushy breeding ground for bacteria. One of the best ways to reduce the amount of bad bacteria in your mouth is to scrape your tongue after you brush your teeth. By doing it after brushing, you’re allowing the bacteria-fighting ingredients in your toothpaste to clean your tongue too. schedule visits with your dentist every six months: your dentist can see far beyond the average eye. With their expertise (and x-rays!), they can identify conditions such as gum disease, gum recession, plaque buildup, and all stages of tooth decay (even the early stages). Their professional tools can scrape off tartar and plaque buildup unlike any other tools, so it’s crucial that you maintain frequent visits to your dentist! Start by doing one great thing for your oral + overall health: add hydroxyapatite toothpaste to your routine! Trust us, you won’t regret it. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste Now.
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the best and worst foods for dry mouth and how Davids can help
Did you know that roughly one in four adults suffers from dry mouth? While this statistic obviously isn’t ideal, it can be nice to know that you’re not alone in your dry mouth experience! To make your life a little bit easier during a dry mouth spell, we’re sharing some of the best and worst foods for dry mouth, and how our toothpaste can help you find relief. symptoms of dry mouth and their impacts The symptoms of dry mouth might seem obvious, but their impacts are far-reaching. The most common/obvious symptom of dry mouth is that “cotton mouth” feeling, but other symptoms include trouble swallowing, cracked, dry lips, a rough tongue, sore throat, burning in the mouth, and an unquenchable “thirst” feeling. The impacts of dry mouth extend beyond these symptoms, too. When your mouth is dry, it gives bacteria more opportunity to fester and deposit harmful acids in your mouth. This can lead to perpetual bad breath, tooth decay, gum recession, gum disease, oral thrush, mouth sores, and infections. The good news is that the occasional dry mouth is typically easily treatable. Let’s dive into which foods worsen dry mouth and which ones can actually help it. (If you find that your dry mouth persists, consult your dental professional to come up with a plan of action.) worst foods for dry mouth If you’ve ever had dry mouth, you know how important it is to tailor your routine to relieve your symptoms. Below you’ll find some of the worst foods for dry mouth, so be sure to avoid these! sugary drinks and snacks: a dry mouth is already the perfect place for bacteria to fester, and sugary snacks and drinks can further feed the bad bacteria in your mouth. This might lead to more acid deposits that can harm your enamel and lead to tooth decay. super salty foods: salt can pull even more moisture out of your mouth, causing your mouth to feel even drier. Be sure to make most of your meals at home when you have a dry mouth so that you can control the amount of salt in your food! spicy foods: your dry mouth is going to feel very sensitive, so spicy foods might “hurt” more than normal. You won’t have enough saliva to keep the spice moving along instead of just sitting on your taste buds. acidic foods: vinegar, sour candies, citrus fruits, and beyond can cause harm to your dry mouth. Without enough saliva, the acid will remain stagnant in your mouth, breaking down your enamel. hard, rough, or foods: of course, dry foods are going to be harder to eat with a dry mouth. Avoid things like crackers and bread, as well as hard foods like nuts, pretzels, and hard candies that can further damage your enamel. chewy meats: chewy meats are already hard to break down with a healthy mouth. Your jaw and saliva have to work really hard to break these down enough to swallow, and when you have dry mouth, you simply don’t have enough saliva to help aid the process. caffeine and alcohol: these two have been shown to further decrease saliva production, so it’s safe to stay away from them when you’re dealing with dry mouth. While this isn’t a food, tobacco is also horrible for dry mouth, as it also further reduces saliva production. For the sake of your oral care, stay away from tobacco altogether! best foods for dry mouth Now that we’ve covered what not to do, here are a few of the best foods for dry mouth. liquidy foods: such as broths, sauces, and nut butters can add so much flavor and moisture to your meals when you’re dealing with dry mouth tender meats: such as fish and chicken are perfect for dry mouth, and you can even opt for ground meats to ensure it’s easy to chew and digest. soft foods: such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and cooked vegetables are filling and full of fiber and nutrients to support a healthy oral microbiome smoothies: these can be a great choice when you have a dry mouth! Just be sure to watch the sugar content and use a base such as a nut milk or water. xylitol chewing gum: xylitol (an ingredient in our toothpaste) is known to stimulate saliva production. If you need relief throughout the day, it might be a good idea to keep xylitol chewing gum on hand to provide some much-needed moisture. As a general rule of thumb, opt for cool, liquidy (unprocessed) foods and drinks and eat small meals throughout the day. And don’t forget to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! All of these tips will give your mouth a break while allowing you to still feel fueled and energized throughout the day. best toothpaste for dry mouth It’s no secret that we think Davids is the best toothpaste for dry mouth. While we might be biased, our ingredients are not! Our intentional ingredients are known to stimulate saliva production, strengthen your enamel, and provide tooth sensitivity relief...all of which are extra important when you’re dealing with dry mouth. Let’s take a look at a few of these awesome ingredients. vegetable glycerin: glycerin is a humectant that naturally activates your saliva glands and moistens your mouth. While many conventional self-care products contain glycerin derived from animal fat, ours comes from plants! birch xylitol: as mentioned above, xylitol is a natural plant-derived sweetener known to stimulate saliva production. baking soda and premium natural mint oils: these two work together to help neutralize the bacteria in your oral microbiome, which are worsened by dry mouth and can lead to bad breath. nano-hydroxyapatite: this revolutionary ingredient is known to remineralize your enamel from the inside out, plugging any existing “holes” and filling any scratches or imperfections to relieve sensitivity in a natural way. Because your mouth is so vulnerable when dealing with dry mouth, it’s important to give it a little extra TLC. One of the easiest, most effective ways to do that is to add Davids to your daily routine! buy now.
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thinking of switching to hydroxyapatite toothpaste? some things you'll want to know
At last, you’ve been exposed to the hype of hydroxyapatite. We’re so glad you’re considering adding this natural remineralizing agent to your oral care routine! It’s no secret that fluoride has been the “gold standard” in oral care for so long. With a few questionable effects, we think it’s about time it had a little friendly competition. To make your transition to hydroxyapatite toothpaste a little less intimidating, we’re covering some of the history, benefits, and awesome facts about this hero ingredient and its ability to enhance your holistic oral care routine. hydroxyapatite has an out-of-this-world history In the early 1900s, tooth decay was on the rise, and dental professionals were scrambling to find a way to slow it down. Around 1950, local governments began adding fluoride to their drinking water, and this seemed to be the magic answer everyone was looking for. At the time, an immediate answer was necessary, but there simply wasn’t enough evidence to capture the full picture: although fluoride is effective at preventing tooth decay, what other long-term effects might it have? Could there be another, safer + more natural alternative? Just a couple of decades later, NASA began to experiment with hydroxyapatite. They would give it to astronauts returning from microgravity environments to help them rebuild strength in their teeth and bones. We’re delighted to say....it worked! At this point, fluoride was famous. But as NASA revealed, hydroxyapatite deserved some fame too. Although we might be a few decades late, we’re finally giving hydroxyapatite the love and attention it deserves. there are so many benefits of hydroxyapatite Whether your main concern is tooth sensitivity or a bright white smile (or both), hydroxyapatite has you covered. Let’s dive into some of the common benefits of hydroxyapatite. remineralization and tooth sensitivity relief: hydroxyapatite already makes up roughly 97% of your enamel! When your enamel gets worn down by bacteria and daily wear and tear, it can expose “tubules” in your teeth that lead to the center nerve. This can lead to super uncomfortable sensitivity (especially when you consume hot+cold items). But nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) particles can easily penetrate the enamel and “bind” to it, remineralizing the weakened areas to provide tooth sensitivity relief in as little as a few days. This is different from fluoride, which creates a new structure called fluorapatite instead of replacing the existing hydroxyapatite minerals. biocompatibility: unlike many other ingredients in oral care products (especially the “sensitive”: ones), hydroxyapatite is biocompatible. This means it works with the cells in your body without harming them. This is unique for sensitive toothpaste because many use fluoride as well as chemical numbing agents to get the job done. This is why these toothpastes have a poison control label on them! Not hydroxyapatite toothpaste....you never have to worry about (you or your little ones) swallowing too much of it. microbiome-friendly: research shows that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can effectively reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth without wiping out the good ones! This is super important because your oral and gut microbiomes rely on good bacteria to function optimally, and synthetic ingredients such as fluoride and chemical numbing agents can disrupt this bacterial balance. effective whitening: did you know that hydroxyapatite itself can whiten your teeth, even without help from other whitening agents? This is because it actually replenishes minerals, reverses stains, and delivers enamel repair at the source....revealing a naturally whiter, stronger, and healthier smile. pH balance: hydroxyapatite helps your teeth stay strong against acidic substances, preventing them from penetrating your enamel and causing tooth decay. This process helps your oral microbiome maintain a healthy pH, which is super important for avoiding bad breath, inflammation, gum disease, and other oral health problems. As you can see, nano-hydroxyapatite works to nourish your oral health from so many different angles. And it does all of this naturally! When you begin using toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, you can expect tooth sensitivity relief in just a few days....without all the unwanted side effects of chemical-based sensitive toothpastes. hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a biocompatible fluoride alternative As we mentioned above, hydroxyapatite is a biocompatible remineralizing agent. Unlike fluoride, it already exists in your body. But is it actually as effective as fluoride? Science says yes. There are so many studies out there that suggest nano-hydroxyapatite is just as effective (if not more effective) than fluoride at remineralizing and strengthening your teeth. This is super important because fluoride has been the oral care superstar for decades. In fact, the ADA will only put its stamp of approval on toothpastes that contain fluoride. You can read more about this in our previous article, hydroxyapatite vs. fluoride: how does it compare to the oral care superstar?, where we cover differences between these two ingredients and some of the overwhelming research that supports hydroxyapatite. To summarize, there are some valid concerns regarding the amount of fluoride we, as humans, consume. From our drinking water to our toothpaste, many run the risk of overexposure from simple day-to-day activities. Recent research shows that hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride, and it doesn’t pose the risk of overexposure or unwanted side effects. This proves that, while it currently lives in the shadows of fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite has a very bright future. Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste outperforms the rest Just like conventional toothpastes, it’s safe to say that not all hydroxyapatite toothpaste is made equal. The unique formula of Davids sensitive+whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste has been shown to outperform other leading sensitive toothpastes. Don’t take our word for it, check out our third-party lab test results! As you can see, this photo evidence shows our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste plugged the exposed tubules and repaired the damaged enamel better than its competitors. The results reveal stronger, healthier, and less sensitive teeth. Now that’s something to smile about! Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste 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 premium toothpaste now.
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mental health awareness month: the gut-brain connection and the impacts of holistic oral care
In honor of mental health awareness month, we’re spotlighting the important connection between gut health and oral health, and its impacts on your brain. In recent years, gut health has become an increasingly popular topic. People (doctors, health professionals, and regular people alike) are beginning to realize that the gut plays a huge role in your overall health. It has the power to influence your mood, your immune system, your energy, and beyond. All throughout May, we’re putting the spotlight on how holistic oral care can improve your gut health and, in turn, support your mental well-being. Stay tuned! Who knows, you might just discover a new, unexpected way to care for your mental health. the power of the gut-brain connection This new idea that your gut is your “second brain” has started to reframe the way we look at our health. It’s no secret that the gut and brain are closely intertwined. This connection is proven anytime your nervousness or excitement gives you butterflies in your stomach! The truth is, over 100 million nerve cells and 100 trillion bacteria live in your GI tract, and they have a lot to say. They’re constantly communicating with your brain through hormones (chemical messengers that affect hundreds of systems and functions throughout your body). Not only do the bacteria and nerve cells in your gut play a massive role in the daily digestion, absorption, and elimination of nutrients, but they also help to determine your body’s overall hormone balance as well as your mental health. Your entire gut system can alter the presence and severity of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In fact, researchers have demonstrated that there are (at least) 13 specific types of gut bacteria linked to symptoms of depression. These types of bacteria are believed to generate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and glutamate, which can alter your brain chemistry and generate depressive feelings. Doctors explain that healthy mental-health-related habits such as regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, stress management, and cognitive behavioral therapy can have a positive effect on GI symptoms such as IBS. But the gut-brain connection works in reverse too, meaning healthy digestion, adequate nutrition, and a pre and probiotic approach can also improve your mental well-being....from your calmness and mood to your memory and cognition! how holistic oral care can nurture the gut-brain connection Something we always like to say is....your mouth is the window to your overall health. It’s literally the door to your gut! When something is off in your oral microbiome (an overgrowth of bad bacteria or yeast, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and beyond) it can greatly impact the health and function of your gut. When oral pathogens fester (as a result of sickness or poor oral care), it can hinder digestion and increase inflammation in your body. To be specific, research shows that gum disease can activate an immune response, producing “fighter” cells in your mouth that travel to your gut, increasing inflammation in your gut and weakening your immune system. In addition to oral pathogens, simple bacteria imbalances in your oral microbiome can impact your gut health. Studies suggest that a holistic approach to oral care....one that nourishes the good bacteria in your oral microbiome (rather than one that completely wipes out all bacteria) can potentially improve your gut health by aiding digestion and reducing overall inflammation. That’s why, at Davids, we maintain a holistic approach to oral care. Through the use of premium toothpaste, remineralizing ingredients such as hydroxyapatite, and gentle tools such as a tongue scraper and a bamboo toothbrush....we’re able to help you tame the bad bacteria in your oral microbiome while allowing the good bacteria to flourish. The result? A triple-win for your mouth, gut, and brain! the role of Davids in holistic oral care Instead of using toothpastes with chemical additives and mouthwash that burns and wipes out your oral microbiome, we pride ourselves on providing you with holistic oral care products that nourish your mouth (and in turn, your gut....and again, in turn, your mental health). premium toothpaste: our toothpaste avoids potentially harmful and questionable chemicals such as sulfates (SLS), fluoride, artificial flavors, sweeteners, colors, and preservatives. intentional ingredients: every single ingredient in our toothpaste is intentional, and we believe this should always be the case for a product you put in your mouth! From the premium essential mint oils to the nano-hydroxyapatite in our sensitive+whitening toothpaste, every ingredient is there to nourish your oral and overall health. tongue scraping: instead of wiping out your mouth with a mouthwash that “kills 99% of germs”, why not naturally clean your tongue and rid your mouth of bad bacteria with a tongue scraper? Our unique, one-handed stainless steel design is perfect for reaching the parts of your tongue that really need cleaning. Trust us, it’ll leave your oral microbiome feeling fresher (and more balanced) than ever. bamboo toothbrushing: instead of using a plastic toothbrush with bristles derived from petroleum, show your mouth some love with a natural bamboo toothbrush made with soft bristles derived from plant (castor) oil. When you take the time to truly nourish your oral health, the positive results can (quite literally) flow into your gut....leaving you with a healthier GI tract! Knowing what we know about the gut-brain connection, consider holistic oral care one amazing, unexpected tool to nurture your mental health. buy premium toothpaste now.
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why bristle quality and firmness really matter in your bamboo toothbrush
When shopping for a toothbrush, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So many shapes, colors, materials, and types. Do you stick with manual or go for electric? Plastic or bamboo? When thinking about all the different options, it’s easy to forget about the actual bristles of the toothbrush. You know, the part that’s making contact with your teeth, tongue, and gums. Well, we’re here to tell you: your bristle choice matters. Not all bristles are created equal, and not all should be used daily on your enamel and gums (especially if you brush too hard)! That’s why we’re taking a moment to cover why bristle quality and firmness makes a huge difference in your daily oral care routine, and why a bamboo toothbrush is the best option to sustain nature+you. why bristle firmness and quality make a huge difference First, when picking out your bamboo toothbrush, you want to make sure you’re choosing soft bristles. Medium and hard toothbrush bristles can scratch your enamel, creating abrasions that leave your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity, cavities, and gum recession. If you’re an aggressive brusher, this advice is even more important. We also recommend practicing mindfulness during your oral care routine, so you can focus more on easing up the force behind the brush. Second, bristle quality is also essential. Many manufacturers out there will take shortcuts to increase production speed and decrease cost, and the result is low-quality bristles with sharp edges that can do major damage. If you’re using low-quality bristles, you’ll probably realize it right away. You may notice soreness around your gums, bleeding, or general discomfort as you brush. Don’t worry, you can brush in peace knowing the soft bristles in our premium bamboo toothbrush are high-quality bristles that work to gently “exfoliate” and polish your teeth, distributing the amazing, bacteria-fighting and enamel-restoring ingredients of our toothpaste. the soft, high-quality bristles in our bamboo toothbrush Davids premium bamboo toothbrush contains soft, high-performance, BPA-free bristles derived from castor oil while most toothbrush bristles on the market are made of plastic derived from petroleum oil. (Side note: many other self-care products such as lotions, lip moisturizers, and even candles contain oil derived from fossil fuels. Check out this article to learn how to spot these petroleum-based ingredients and start to clean up your self-care routine.) What is castor oil? It’s an oil that’s derived from the seeds of a castor plant and contains numerous health benefits. It’s most famous for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Simply applying it to your middle abdomen can aid your body in healing, digestion, and detoxification. By using toothbrush bristles derived from castor oil, we avoid the potentially harmful effects that petroleum oil may have on your health and the health of the planet. We believe one of the easiest, most efficient ways to care for yourself and the planet is to ensure the products you use daily are actually sustainable for your health. Along with being derived from a healthy plant source, the bristles in our bamboo toothbrush are also very soft and gentle, leaving your teeth feeling clean, fresh, and polished without any pain, discomfort, or long-term damage....even for you who brush hard! why Davids is the best bamboo toothbrush In addition to the soft, high-performance bristles, the rest of our premium bamboo toothbrush packs some pretty amazing benefits too. 100% natural bamboo: this biodegradable material will decompose on its own, returning to the earth. To optimize decomposition, we recommend disposing of it at a commercial composter. Opting for a 100% natural bamboo toothbrush allows you to avoid contributing to the 1 billion+ plastic toothbrushes that end up in landfills every year. comfortable handle: our bamboo toothbrush handle is coated with smooth vegan wax, allowing you to grip it easily and maneuver it effortlessly as you brush. sustainable packaging: like all of our products, our bamboo toothbrush is packaged in FSC-certified packaging, meaning that the paper used does not contribute to deforestation. USA family-owned & operated: our small, family-owned company exists in a sea of massive, multinational corporations that have dominated the oral care world for decades. By choosing our bamboo toothbrush over the dozens of toothbrushes you see on the shelves, you can smile wider knowing you’re supporting our small USA business. To make the most of your premium bamboo toothbrush, it’s important to prioritize proper care. For example, it’s important to rinse your bamboo toothbrush bristles thoroughly before and after every use. Be sure to store it in an open-air holder that’s positioned in a dry area. Closed containers may give the illusion that it’s “protecting” the toothbrush from outside bacteria, but closing your wet toothbrush in an airtight container can actually allow bacteria to fester after use. Let your bamboo toothbrush air dry! Lastly, try to resist brushing too hard. The soft, high-quality bristles will go a much longer way if you let them do the work. Plus, your gums and enamel will thank you! If you still find yourself brushing too hard or experiencing general sensitivity, we highly recommend brushing with our sensitive + whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste. The nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) particles penetrate and bond to your enamel, filling any holes, scratches, or imperfections that might lead to your tooth’s center nerve (causing sensitivity). The nano-hydroxyapatite particles remineralize weakened areas to strengthen your enamel against daily wear and tear. Our premium bamboo toothbrush + hydroxyapatite toothpaste can work wonders for your long-term oral and overall health. Buy Davids Premium Bamboo Toothbrush Now.
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earth month motivation: try out some of our favorite ways to sustain nature+you
Spring has sprung! The flowers are blooming, the days are lengthening, the sun is shining...and sustainability is on our minds (as always). As this new season begins to breathe new life into the world around us, we can’t help but feel a little extra love and care for it. And what perfect timing, considering Earth Day is just a couple of weeks away. With eco-conscious values as the core pillars of Davids, we’re so excited to celebrate the planet this month and shine a light on our favorite ways to sustain nature+you. We hope these nature-centric tips and tricks help you feel excited for Earth Month and inspired to deepen your connection with the natural world. 1: ground yourself in nature Traditional meditation foundations suggest that the human body is composed of nature itself. It suggests that getting closer to these elements in nature (physically breathing, touching, seeing, and smelling them) allows us to strengthen our internal connection to nature. When we feel this deeper connection, we feel more inspired to care for the world around us, becoming more aware of and in tune with how our behaviors affect the environment. This further encourages us to remain intentional with our choices, prioritizing choices that are better for the planet...and, in turn, ourselves. 2: master your mindfulness Part of grounding yourself in nature is mindfulness, the simple state of complete awareness that brings you into your body and into the present moment. But mindfulness doesn’t only happen when you’re surrounded by nature. In fact, mindfulness is a practice you can incorporate into your daily routine whenever you want. You can practice “micro mindfulness” in just a couple of minutes...the same amount of time it takes you to brush your teeth! Next time you go to brush your teeth, we invite you to do a body scan: what do you feel in your body? What do you see? What do you taste? Practicing mindfulness regularly like this makes it “second nature” to routinely check in with yourself, how you’re feeling, and how your decisions make you feel. It inspires you to get out of “autopilot mode” and move through your day with more intention and consciousness...which can help you on your journey to nurture yourself and the world around you. 3: embrace your inner minimalist Minimalism is a wonderful guide to help you simplify your life and focus on the things that nurture your wellbeing....and the wellbeing of the planet. As you can tell by our minimal (but intentional) ingredient list, packaging design, and overall brand beliefs, we’re huge fans of minimalism! What is it, exactly? Minimalism is simply a way of thinking, a tool, that can help you gain freedom from the “keeping up with the Joneses” mindset. It’s the idea that true happiness and fulfillment are not based on material things....they’re intrinsic traits that can be achieved through mindful and conscious purchases. That fits right in with the concept of sustainability! In fact, experts suggest that minimalism can help the planet. And from personal experience, we can attest that minimalism has the potential to nurture your intrinsic wellbeing, too. 4: beautify your beauty routine On the subject of conscious purchases, we invite you to check in with your beauty (or overall self-care) routine. The ugly side of the beauty industry is that so many products on the market contain harmful ingredients. As the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts it, these chemicals have even been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, fertility issues, and beyond. You can vet your own beauty products using the EWG Skin Deep Database to see if your products contain any questionable ingredients. They’ll also suggest cleaner alternatives for you! We’re proud that Davids is an EWG-verified toothpaste, meaning it meets the EWG’s strictest standards for quality, safety, and transparency. We encourage you to make sure the rest of your beauty products do too! You can check out some of our favorite products in our previous blog post: what is clean beauty? its important role in a healthy self-care routine. 5: optimize your natural oral care routine We’re biased, but this might be our favorite tip. Oral care is something that you commit to every single day (multiple times per day!), and it’s not going anywhere. So why not optimize it to sustain nature+you? Here’s what we mean by that. premium toothpaste: many people brush their teeth without thinking about how their toothpaste is affecting their overall health and the environment. The ingredients in your toothpaste often end up in your gut, your bloodstream, and your natural environment! These products go down your drain, into your gums and tissues, and flow through your digestive tract to your gut. Don’t you want your toothpaste to contain natural, intentional ingredients? The ingredients in our toothpaste are all sustainably sourced from nature. They avoid any harmful chemicals that you might find in conventional toothpaste...such an easy way to sustain nature+you. sustainable packaging: over 1 billion (with a ‘b’) plastic toothpaste tubes make their way to oceans, ecosystems, and landfills every single year. By using Davids, you can completely eliminate this unnecessary plastic pollution. Our toothpaste comes packaged in aluminum, arguably the most infinitely and easily recyclable material on the planet. You can also opt out of receiving a plastic cap and metal tube roller to further reduce your toothpaste waste. All of our products come packaged in FSC-certified paperboard...another recyclable material that ensures your oral care packaging is circular, not wasteful. bamboo toothbrush: using a bamboo toothbrush instead of a conventional plastic toothbrush introduces many new benefits to your oral care routine. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and easy to grip, making it an ideal material for a toothbrush. Much like toothpaste tubes, it’s estimated that 1 billion toothbrushes are thrown away each year in the US. Unlike plastic, bamboo is a natural material that can decompose in a matter of weeks (as long as you dispose of it correctly). Stay tuned for a special announcement for us about a new bamboo toothbrush on the block! tongue scraper: a tongue scraper can replace or enhance the use of mouthwash, another product that’s responsible for millions of tons of plastic waste every year. Scraping your tongue also introduces numerous health benefits from reducing your body’s overall toxin load to improving your digestion. Our professional, one-handed, stainless steel tongue scraper is specifically designed to smoothly lift and remove bad bacteria from your mouth, nurturing your oral care in a natural and sustainable way. As you can see, everything we do is to sustain nature+you. We hope these tips inspire you to adopt the same mantra in your life, especially this time of year. The entire Davids team wishes you a happy, healthy, and enlightening Earth Month! buy premium toothpaste now.
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why 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.
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what's on your tongue? how our tongue scraper can help keep it clean and healthy
Have you ever wondered what’s on your tongue? Why does it change colors? Why does it feel thicker and slimier when you wake up? What’s living on that cushy surface? You might be surprised to learn that hundreds of species of bacteria live on your tongue, doing their best to feed off the biofilm that develops between the times you complete your oral care routine. Oh, and not to mention, there are other microorganisms like yeasts and viruses that can also develop on your tongue, too! This is why it’s so important to prioritize tongue cleaning during your oral care routine. With products like plastic toothbrushes with a “tongue cleaner” on the opposite side of the bristles and mouthwashes that claim to kill 99% of germs, you might think these things are enough to keep your tongue clean and healthy. But we’re here to tell you that these methods simply aren’t enough (or in the case of mouthwash, they’re actually too much). We’re going to dive into the different things that live on your tongue and why tongue scraping (when combined with flossing and brushing with premium toothpaste) is one of the best ways to keep your tongue healthy and clean. Of course, we’ll also mention all of the things that make Davids the best tongue scraper out there. what’s on your tongue? In its simplest state, your tongue is covered with a soft pink tissue called the mucosa. Within the mucosa live tiny bumps called papillae, which house your taste buds. These taste buds contain tiny collections of nerve-like cells that allow your tongue to send messages to your brain. Your tongue’s mucosa is typically covered with a biofilm, a thick and gooey coating that feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Your oral microbiome (aka the ecosystem of your mouth) is home to up to 700 species of bacteria, many of which get cozy on your tongue. Because it has such a soft, porous surface, bacteria can easily penetrate and settle in. Interestingly, scientists have found that specific types of bacteria tend to settle on different areas of the tongue, creating little communities and neighborhoods. In addition to bacteria, your tongue might be home to oral pathogens (bad bacteria or viruses) or yeast (also known as oral thrush or candida) which can create a white film on the surface of your tongue and often feel “cottony”. why use a tongue scraper to clean it? Biofilm regrows on your tongue daily, so it’s extremely important to address it during your oral care routine. Because your tongue is such a porous, absorbent surface, and biofilm is such a thick, sticky substance....brushing alone cannot effectively clean your tongue. This is where a tongue scraper comes in. Tongue scraping daily (we recommend doing it right after brushing with Davids) can help remove biofilm and stagnant bacteria from your tongue, refreshing your tongue and preventing unwanted oral conditions (such as bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay). Although scientists haven’t fully identified all of the hundreds of bacteria that live in our oral microbiomes, they still have strong reason to believe that some of these bacteria are actually beneficial. This is why we recommend tongue scraping over using a chemical mouthwash that “kills 99% of germs” and wipes other beneficial organisms along the way. Not to mention, those chemical mouthwashes can disrupt the pH of your mouth, create mouth sores, and cause uncomfortable burning sensations. When you use a tongue scraper, you don’t have to worry about these things. Tongue scraping is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been known to pose many benefits, some of which include: ridding of bad bacteria reducing your body’s toxic load stimulating your tissues and organs promoting digestion and gut health improving taste correcting bad breath And more. As you can see the benefits of tongue scraping extend beyond the mouth. Not to mention, it’s a sustainable, waste-free way to care for your oral and overall health. What an incredible way to sustain nature+you! what makes ours the best tongue scraper? With so many tongue scrapers on the market, we’re here to help you pick the best one. Here are some of the things that set the Davids tongue scraper apart from the rest. it’s stainless steel: why does this matter? Well, stainless steel is durable, non-toxic, dishwasher safe, and hypoallergenic. It won’t break or fray from everyday use, so you don’t have to worry about our tongue scraper developing sharp edges or getting messed up in the dishwasher. It’s made to last, so you have a sustainable, long-lasting tool for everyday tongue cleaning. it can single-handedly clean your mouth: (pun intended) while we don’t recommend an oral care routine with just tongue scraping alone (pair it with our toothpaste and awesome bamboo toothbrush), we mean you can literally use our tongue scraper with one hand. Most tongue scrapers on the market have a two-handed arch design, making them kinda big and awkward to maneuver. Ours is smaller and easier to handle, allowing you to reach areas of your tongue that others simply wouldn’t get to (in a way that avoids activating your gag reflex). it’s designed and preferred by professionals: this unique design was made by dental professionals. No wonder it’s used as an example in dental schools! There you have it: an effective tongue scraper you can use (effortlessly, with one hand) over and over again. Your cleanest, freshest tongue is just around the corner. What are you waiting for? buy the best tongue scraper now.
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