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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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 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 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 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 now.
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an easy eco-upgrade: how to use and care for your bamboo toothbrush
At Davids, our motto is to sustain nature+you in everything we do. From recyclable aluminum tubes to intentional ingredients, every decision and product we make....we make with nature+you in mind. That’s exactly why we’re adding a bamboo toothbrush to our product lineup! Consider it a late Valentine’s Day gift from our family to you. Not only do bamboo toothbrushes help us fight plastic pollution, they’re actually great for your oral health. And today, we’re going to talk about all the reasons why. So sit back, relax, and allow all the natural benefits of bamboo toothbrushes to grow on you. bamboo toothbrush benefits Every year, over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes make their way to landfills....often ending up in waterways and land habitats along the way. We’ve decided to ditch plastic toothbrushes, and we hope to inspire you to do the same. We’re eco-upgrading our oral care offerings with the addition of our 100% natural bamboo toothbrush. Now, you might be wondering....what makes a bamboo toothbrush so special? Well, here are a few bamboo toothbrush benefits. end up in landfills or the ocean and we wanted to do better. Davids ditched the plastic handles and switched to 100% natural bamboo for an eco upgrade a bamboo toothbrush nurtures your oral health: using this soft-bristled toothbrush daily can help to nurture your oral health, prevent bad breath, freshen your breath, and lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. a bamboo toothbrush is safe and effective: unlike many other plants, bamboo actually doesn’t require pesticides or harsh chemical fertilizers, making it a safe material to use in your oral care routine. Using a bamboo toothbrush is one super easy way to avoid putting plastic in your mouth every single day! a bamboo toothbrush is easy to use: unlike plastic toothbrushes, bamboo toothbrush handles are easier to grip and maneuver. This might make it a bit easier to reach all the nooks and grooves of your mouth. bamboo is naturally antimicrobial: bamboo exhibits antimicrobial properties, meaning it’s harder for harmful bacteria to grow and multiply on the surface of a bamboo toothbrush. better for nature: as we mentioned, over 1 billion toothbrushes end up in landfills and delicate ecosystems every single year, contributing to the 400 million tons of annual global plastic waste. These plastics harm marine and land animals and end up back in our food and water supplies as microplastics. We’re proud to do anything we can to help sustain nature+you through healthy holistic oral care, and adding the best bamboo toothbrush to our product lineup is one of the easiest ways to do that. Now, adding our bamboo toothbrush to your oral care routine is one of the easiest ways to eco-upgrade your self-care! why Davids is the best bamboo toothbrush With so many bamboo toothbrushes on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the best one for your mouth. At Davids, we’re committed to creating the highest quality oral care products out there....challenging the status quo by putting your oral (and overall) health first. Here are a few things that set our 100% natural premium bamboo toothbrush apart from the rest. BPA-free bristles: most toothbrush bristles out there are made of plastics derived from petroleum. Our bamboo toothbrush is made with BPA-free bristles derived from castor oils. soft bristles: our high performance ‘soft’ bristles are designed to help you maintain good oral health. comfortable handle: our handles are coated with vegan wax, creating a smooth and gentle mouthfeel sustainable packaging: just like the rest of our products, our bamboo toothbrush comes in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified packaging. This means the paper used in our packaging comes from responsibly managed forests and does not contribute to deforestation. USA family-owned & operated: Davids is a small, family-owned company. Many other toothbrushes on the market are produced overseas by large multinational corporations or owned by foreign companies. You can brush in peace knowing all of our products are made right here in the USA with the intention of nurturing your holistic health....rather than just turning a profit! tips for using and caring for your bamboo toothbrush Now, caring for your bamboo toothbrush looks a little different than the usual plastic toothbrush routine. Here are a few tips to get you started. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush bristles before your first use. This will get any (harmless) bamboo dust off the surface. After every use, make sure to rinse off and store your toothbrush in an open-air holder in a dry area. Closed containers are not ideal for your bamboo toothbrush, as it needs to air dry. Don’t brush too hard! Let the bristles do the heavy lifting, you don’t want to harm your gums, enamel, or toothbrush. When you’re done with your bamboo toothbrush (we recommend you replace any toothbrush at least every three months), you can choose to compost or upcycle it. For tips on this, we encourage you to read our previous article: why you should add a bamboo toothbrush to your oral care routine. But to summarize, here are some tips for composting your bamboo toothbrush. Remove the bristles with pliers (not your teeth). Compost it in your at-home composter or send it to your area’s commercial compost. Not sure how to go about this? Check out these tips from earth911. Note: in your at-home compost, it should take about 4-6 months for your bamboo toothbrush to decompose. In a commercial composter, it should take just a few weeks. Plant your toothbrush. Sounds weird, right? But it works. If you plant your bamboo toothbrush horizontally in your garden (it has to have good soil), it will take roughly 3 years to decompose. That’s way better than the thousands of years it takes for plastic to break down! We hope this breakdown (pun intended) of bamboo toothbrushes inspires you to take the leap to eco-upgrade your oral care routine. With the same ease and effectiveness of a conventional toothbrush (if not better) minus all the downsides associated with plastic waste, what’s not to love about a bamboo toothbrush? Buy Premium Bamboo Toothbrush Now.
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how the many types of PAP teeth whitening outperform conventional options
As a natural oral care brand, we deeply understand the desire for a healthy bright-white smile. We also deeply understand the confusion that can arise when it’s time to pick the products that will help you achieve that spectacular smile. The truth is, the dental world has been dominated by the same few ingredients (and big brands) for decades. But are these really the best options? Today, we’re going to examine a new whitening ingredient on the block: PAP (formally known as Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid). PAP stands to challenge long-used chemical whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. But unlike these chemical agents that tend to burn and sting as they work their whitening magic, PAP works to remineralize your teeth and reduce sensitivity as it whitens. Pretty cool, right? Now, let’s dive a little deeper and examine PAP’s effectiveness in various different methods of teeth whitening. methods of PAP teeth whitening PAP toothpaste Whitening toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to give your pearly whites a daily dose of sparkle. But many conventional whitening toothpastes use chemical agents that strip your teeth of essential minerals and nutrients, leading to enamel damage and sensitivity. The most concentrated conventional whitening toothpastes contain up to 5% hydrogen peroxide, an amount that we don’t recommend...especially for daily use. In many other countries, hydrogen peroxide is highly restricted and often banned, especially at high concentrations. 5% hydrogen peroxide toothpastes wouldn’t pass in the EU, which has a 0.1% limit on hydrogen peroxide in over-the-counter products. In Canada, hydrogen peroxide products are also subject to restrictions based on use, concentration, and manufacturing. In Japan, hydrogen peroxide is considered unsafe for use, so it’s completely banned from cosmetic products. So, why is it still so widely used in America, especially at such high concentrations? When it comes to your daily oral care, we tend to err on the side of caution. We want to be sure the ingredients you’re using every day are safe for your oral health, gut health, and overall health! That’s why we’re working on new products containing PAP, an ingredient that whitens teeth as effectively as hydrogen peroxide....but it takes a different, more holistic approach. PAP whitening toothpaste nurtures a bright white smile, especially when it’s combined with nano-hydroxyapatite. These two ingredients work together to remineralize your enamel and relieve sensitivity in your teeth and gums....rather than cause it. PAP mouthwash Speaking of conventional whitening products with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, conventional whitening mouthwashes can contain 2% hydrogen peroxide. Not to mention, if you DIY your whitening mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide, you might have much higher levels of this chemical. Many dentists don’t recommend the regular use of hydrogen peroxide in a mouthwash or rinse, since they can be super harsh on your gums and enamel. If you’re looking for a whitening mouthwash that’s safe for regular use, we recommend one fortified with PAP, hydroxyapatite, xylitol, and premium mint oils. By using these ingredients and avoiding ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and SLS (a chemical foaming agent that’s famous for causing irritation), you can achieve a whiter smile that’s nourished and free of sensitivity. PAP whitening strips If you’ve tried conventional teeth whitening strips, you probably know they whiten your teeth at the expense of your comfort. After all, these strips adhere to your teeth and sit on the surface for a while! As they whiten your teeth, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (a mix of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide) strip minerals from your enamel, making your teeth more porous and.exposing the “tubules” that lead to your tooth’s center nerve. Not to mention, these chemicals also irritate your sensitive gum tissues. (Don’t forget, your gums also help prevent sensitivity by protecting the tubules toward the bottom part of your tooth.) If you already have sensitive teeth, these side effects of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide can be extremely uncomfortable! Luckily, PAP whitening strips provide a gentler alternative. Not only does PAP avoid introducing sensitivity to your teeth + gums, but it actually works to reverse existing sensitivity as it activates whitening. Especially in the form of a whitening strip, PAP and hydroxyapatite work together to adhere to your tooth’s surface, penetrate your enamel, and remineralize your teeth from the inside out. You won’t catch these intentional ingredients burning your teeth and gums....or stripping them of essential nutrients! PAP whitening gel Many whitening gels come in the form of a gel pen used for “on the go” whitening. Maybe you’ve just had coffee or red wine and you see some surface stains. You apply the gel whitening pen to quickly lift these stains. You let the gel sit on the surface of your teeth, and you avoid eating or drinking for up to 20-30 minutes. But what happens after that? You might take a sip of water, and ingest whatever ingredients are left on the surface of your teeth. Don’t you want those ingredients to be healthy and gentle? Any medical professional (or product warning label) will tell you that swallowing hydrogen peroxide is not safe. While we don’t recommend swallowing PAP either, we know that it’s gentler on your oral and gut microbiomes than hydrogen peroxide. jumpstart whitening with our hydroxyapatite toothpaste When searching for PAP teeth whitening products, you’ll run into a lot of “PAP+” options. These products utilize formulas that combine PAP with hydroxyapatite, another whitening + remineralizing ingredient. Hydroxyapatite is a compound that already exists in your teeth and bones. Davids sensitive + whitening toothpaste is fortified with nano-hydroxyapatite (microscopic hydroxyapatite particles) that penetrate your enamel, replenish minerals, and repair stains, scratches, and imperfections at the source. Because hydroxyapatite already exists in your teeth, the nano-hydroxyapatite particles feel “at home,” allowing them to reach the deeper layers of your teeth and fortify them with essential minerals. Many people who try our hydroxyapatite toothpaste report whiter, less sensitive teeth in as little as five days! See how great your teeth can look and feel when you add this incredible ingredient to your daily oral care routine. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste Now.
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how our hydroxyapatite toothpaste outperforms the rest, supporting your long-term oral health
Hydroxyapatite is gaining popularity in the oral care world, and for good reason. This natural alternative to fluoride has shown the world that incredible enamel remineralization is possible without the use of chemical additives. It’s no wonder there are so many hydroxyapatite toothpaste and mouthwash options out there! With so many to choose from, we’re here to discuss all the things that set Davids sensitive + whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste apart from the rest....and how it can help you nurture and sustain your oral and overall health. quick brush up: what is hydroxyapatite? Hydroxyapatite is a calcium-based mineral that naturally exists in your body. It makes up 97% of your enamel, 80% of your dentin, and 70% of your bones. As a quick refresher, your enamel is that hard outer layer of your tooth (subject to everyday wear and tear), and your dentin is the layer right beneath that contains tubules that lead to your tooth’s center nerve. If your enamel is weakened or damaged, these tubules can become exposed, causing uncomfortable sensitivity. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) is simply nanoscopic particles of hydroxyapatite. Nano-hydroxyapatite is what you’ll find in our sensitive + whitening toothpaste. These nanoparticles swoop in to deliver necessary minerals to your enamel and dentin, repairing holes, scratches, and imperfections....and providing much-needed tooth sensitivity relief. Unlike conventional sensitive toothpastes that use chemical ingredients to numb your sensitive teeth, the nano-hydroxyapatite in our toothpaste penetrates your enamel, remineralizing your teeth from the inside out. Now that’s true enamel repair! In fact, hydroxyapatite is so effective that NASA astronauts have used it for decades to replenish minerals in their teeth and bones that deteriorated during long stints in zero/low gravity environments. Pretty cool, right? Now you might be wondering....hmm, so what makes your hydroxyapatite toothpaste different from the rest? why is Davids the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste? As a small, family-owned + operated business, there are a lot of things that set our toothpaste apart from the rest. Here are a few of them! EWG verified Our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste is EWG verified (along with the rest of our formulas)! What does this mean? It means that our toothpastes meet the Environmental Working Group’s strictest health standards, avoiding any chemicals of concern. Good thing! Especially since toothpaste is something you and your loved ones put in your mouth every single day. What are some of these common “chemicals of concern” found in toothpaste? fluoride: this famous ingredient is known for its ability to remineralize enamel. Every single toothpaste with the ADA stamp of approval must contain fluoride! There’s no doubt that fluoride is effective when it comes to enamel remineralization, but research shows that it can introduce collateral damage in the rest of the body (joint stiffness, weakened bones, hormone imbalance, and more) if you get too much of it. sodium lauryl sulfate: this ingredient is added to most conventional toothpastes to get the paste to excessively foam in your mouth. It’s the main chemical in foamy products such as shampoo and soap, but we don’t believe it belongs in toothpaste. It’s a common irritant, so it’s been known to cause burning and mouth sores. We’ve replaced this chemical of concern with sodium cocoyl glutamate, which is derived from coconut oil and has a gentle foaming effect. We’re very proud to be one of the only brands (if not the only brand) with an EWG-verified hydroxyapatite toothpaste, providing you with an enamel-repairing toothpaste you can use daily without any stress or worry. Good for your enamel, good for your entire body. intentional ingredient combinations Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste combines n-HA with a bunch of other premium ingredients for maximum performance. To name a few.... xylitol: this bacteria-fighting, mouth-moistening ingredient works with hydroxyapatite to neutralize your mouth and remineralize your teeth. Learn more about the details of this dream team here. calcium carbonate + hydrated silica: as calcium carbonate and hydrated silica work together to “exfoliate” your teeth (loosening plaque and lifting surface stains), hydroxyapatite swoops in to fill in any holes and imperfections on the nano level. baking soda: this legendary ingredient works hard to further neutralize any threatening acids in your mouth to ensure a healthy pH and overall robust oral microbiome. This is just the start. There are so many other amazing ingredients in our sensitive + whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, from refreshing premium mint oils to nourishing vegetable glycerin. Every single one of our ingredients is sustainably sourced from vendors we know and trust. Our ingredients are 98% USA origin, while many other brands source their ingredients from mass producers overseas. third party lab testing Sure, we might be biased when it comes to the quality of our hydroxyapatite toothpaste...but our third-party lab results aren’t. When we first launched our toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, we turned to a trusted third-party lab to test the effectiveness of our formula against several other leading competitors: Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Tom’s Sensitive. The results were amazing: clear data and photo evidence of real teeth (magnified 3000x) that showed our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste was the most effective at repairing enamel damage and blocking passageways to the tooth’s center nerve to relieve tooth sensitivity. Check out the results for yourself! the Davids difference As you can see, there are a lot of things that make Davids the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste (and the best premium toothpaste in general). On top of the things we’ve mentioned, our toothpaste comes in aluminum tubes (the most infinitely recyclable material) and FSC-certified paperboard packaging. Every single ingredient we use is also vegan and cruelty-free, supporting our mission to care for the people, animals, and planet around us. Everything we do is to sustain nature+you, and it shows through our formulas. You don’t have to take our word for it, the proof is in the paste. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste Now.
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