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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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 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 it 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 at 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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are you making your own vegan toothpaste? why we recommend making the switch to Davids
Are you making your own vegan toothpaste? If the answer is yes, we admire your effort. We support anyone who’s looking to reduce their waste, minimize their shipping emissions, get more bang for their buck, and avoid any harmful ingredients that come in conventional toothpaste. Why do we get excited about these things? Because these are some of our driving values at Davids too! Our founder, Eric, spent four years consulting dental expects to develop the perfect vegan toothpaste formulas....ones that truly nurture your oral + overall health with natural, effective, intentional ingredients. Our formulas are made from 98% premium domestically sourced ingredients, packaged in sustainable, recyclable packaging (have you seen our aluminum toothpaste tubes?), and avoid potentially harmful conventional ingredients such as SLS, triclosan, chemical numbing agents, hydrogen peroxide, and so many more. To hear that you’re creating your own DIY vegan toothpaste hits home for us. While we admire the effort, we’re here to tell you that there’s an easier, more effective way to care for your pearly whites. The secret? Davids Premium Toothpaste. Let’s take a look at why it outperforms homemade vegan toothpaste formulas. what’s usually in DIY vegan toothpaste? Most DIY vegan toothpaste recipes contain some variation of the following ingredients. coconut oil: coconut oil is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, so it’s a popular “base” ingredient in DIY vegan toothpaste. olive oil: known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, olive oil is often added to DIY toothpaste. Because of its viscous nature, some believe it can bind to plaque, remove it, lift surface stains, and neutralize your mouth. In many cases, coconut and olive oils are used to oil pull, a process that involves holding oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes and swishing it around so that the oil can “pull out” any toxins. If you wish to add oil to your oral care routine, we recommend oil pulling rather than creating a toothpaste centered around oil. bentonite clay: instead of oils, some like to use food-grade bentonite clay to achieve that pasty texture in their DIY vegan toothpaste. Clay has been used for centuries as a detox tool, and it’s known to impart benefits such as oral health improvements, digestive soothing, and allergy relief. baking soda: this ingredient (which is also found in Davids) is known in the oral care world for its ability to neutralize plaque-forming acids in your mouth, remove surface stains, and whiten + polish teeth. essential oils: common essential oils are peppermint and cinnamon to give the DIY toothpaste a hint of flavor and add antibacterial and antioxidant benefits. At Davids, our formulas contain premium essential oils such as peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen grown in the USA. salt: some add salt to their DIY vegan toothpaste to help reduce gum inflammation, disinfect the mouth, and promote saliva production. While there’s nothing wrong with these ingredients, we believe that it’s more reliable and effective to combine some of these ingredients with other high-quality oral care ingredients....in a formula that’s been created by the experts. Hint hint, Davids Premium Toothpaste fits that description. is homemade vegan toothpaste safe? Most experts agree that homemade toothpaste, in general, is not the best option for your long-term oral health. Not all natural, immediately-available ingredients are safe. Finding the perfect ingredient lineup and concentration takes a lot of time, experience, and effort. The truth is, many of the DIY toothpaste recipes out there are made by people who have no experience or credentials in regard to oral care. We recommend that you play it safe with a commercial vegan toothpaste that has already done all of the expert consultation, research, and formulation for you....like Davids! why Davids is the best vegan toothpaste Think back to the driving factors for creating your own DIY vegan toothpaste....the ones we covered in the introduction of this article: less waste, a smaller shipping footprint, and trusted ingredients. Davids checks all of these boxes! Not to mention, we’ve done all of the researching, formulating, perfecting, and mixing for you. sustainable packaging: our vegan toothpaste is packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum toothpaste tubes and FSC-certified paperboard packaging. We also give you the option to remove the plastic cap, metal tube roller, and outside paper box if you want to further minimize waste. Just add ***REMOVE CAP*** ***REMOVE TUBE KEY*** ***REMOVE BOX*** in the “Address 2” line at checkout. domestic sourcing: unlike many (if not all) toothpaste brands out there, we use 98% USA-origin ingredients. Not only does this ensure premium quality and support domestic jobs, but it also means that our shipping footprint is way smaller than most toothpaste brands. When you order from us, you can feel proud knowing your purchase is better for the planet. cost efficiency: while the price tag of our vegan toothpaste might not scream cost efficiency up front, we assure you that a little bit of Davids goes a long way. Our formulas were created to pack a punch of benefits in a small, pea-sized squeeze of toothpaste. That means an entire tube of Davids can last you a long time. Plus, if you subscribe (at whatever delivery pace you want), you can save 10% on every single order. intentional ingredients: take a look at our ingredient list, which contains no animal by products. This list has a lot more than your average DIY vegan toothpaste: hydrated silica for whitening + polishing, xylitol for bacteria reduction and saliva production, calcium carbonate for plaque breakdown, and even hydroxyapatite for revolutionary enamel remineralization. Not to mention, our formulas contain the perfect concentration of each ingredient. When you use Davids every day, you have peace of mind knowing that your vegan toothpaste is effectively nurturing your oral (and overall) health. You just can’t get this from a simple “how to make toothpaste” search! buy premium toothpaste 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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love is in the air: make sure you're nurturing a fresh mouth and healthy gums
It’s finally February, and love is in the air! (And so is your breath, good or bad.) You probably already know that February means Valentine’s Day. But did you know that February is also National Gum Disease Awareness Month? While it’s not as “cute” as Valentine’s Day, it’s certainly an important topic. It’s estimated that over 80% of adults have some stage of gum disease, and many don’t even know it. The good news? Gum disease is preventable and treatable, especially when you start early. So in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let’s discuss the ways you can keep your mouth super fresh and resilient against threats such as gum disease. what are the symptoms of gum disease? Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, resulting in pain, inflammation, and often redness and bleeding. The infection is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, often due to poor oral care habits. The tricky part is that gum disease often starts off without any real symptoms. The plaque and bacteria buildup is hard to notice if it’s not causing physical symptoms. This is why it’s so important to practice good oral care habits before you have any real physical issues. So, what are the symptoms of gum disease? bleeding while brushing / flossing red /purplish gums swelling and inflammation consistent bad breath a lingering bad taste in your mouth gums pulling away from your teeth (making them look longer) rough dental plaque around the base of your teeth Symptoms of advanced gum disease include: gum pockets shifting / loosening teeth pus buildup around your gums bright red gums / persistent bleeding Our biggest piece of advice is to know the signs and remain alert for the early signs of gum disease. When you catch it early, it’s much easier to treat and prevent. If you’ve already advanced to moderate/serious symptoms, we recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible! effects of gum disease on the body As we always say, your mouth is the window to your overall health. Gum disease affects a lot more than just your mouth, as the bacteria that cause it can travel through the rest of your body, contributing to other health problems. In fact, it’s been linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, osteoporosis, and various types of cancer. This risk goes both ways, as these conditions can also increase your risk of developing gum disease. As you can see, different parts of the body are always communicating with each other. We don’t say this to worry you, we say this to empower you. If you’re reluctant to do your oral care routine early in the morning or late at night, remember the crucial role your mouth plays in your overall health. We hope this inspires and motivates you to stay on top of your holistic oral care routine. what other things can contribute to bad breath? In addition to gum disease, here are a few other things that can contribute to bad breath. pungent foods dry mouth tobacco use poor oral hygiene sinus troubles / infection certain medications As Valentine’s Day approaches, we want to help you do everything you can to avoid bad breath and feel fresh, confident, and healthy. Below, you’ll find a few of our top tips. how to keep your mouth healthy and fresh with Davids Good oral care habits are your main line of defense against conditions like gum disease and bad breath, and we’re here to make your oral care habits as healthy as they can be! In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, freshen up your oral care routine with Davids. Our toothpaste contains intentional ingredients, meaning every single one of our ingredients plays a role in nourishing your mouth. To name a few: xylitol works to “starve” the bad bacteria in your mouth while providing sweetness + moisture that combats dry mouth. our premium peppermint oils kill bad bacteria and leave your mouth feeling super fresh and minty. sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes acids in your mouth that would otherwise cause plaque. It also removes surface stains to whiten and polish your teeth! our ultra-fine hydrated silica “exfoliates” your teeth to break down plaque and bacteria that might otherwise accumulate and contribute to gum disease. calcium carbonate is another very gentle abrasive that reduces plaque, removes surface stains, and leaves your teeth fresh and white. nano-hydroxyapatite (found in our sensitive+whitening toothpaste) is the ultimate natural remineralizing ingredient. The tiny particles penetrate your tooth’s surface, working to strengthen your enamel from the inside out and correct any imperfections in your teeth. This makes your teeth more resilient to threats such as gum disease. Each of these ingredients is sustainably sourced and derived from nature: one of the best (if not the best) healers out there. To get the most out of these incredible ingredients, here are our top recommendations for a healthy, holistic oral care routine. Brush every morning and night with your favorite flavor of Davids. Floss daily at least once, and if you’re only flossing once, do it at night. Tongue scrape after you brush with our stainless steel professional tongue scraper. Use a natural mouthwash fortified with hydroxyapatite. (Stay tuned for a special announcement for us about this.) Prioritize stress reduction. Many people don’t realize that stress plays a huge role in your oral (and overall) health. It can lead to inflammation and a compromised immune response (which is particularly unhelpful when it comes to fighting gum disease). For more tips on nurturing the freshest mouth possible, check out our recent article: embracing a new opportunity for a fresh start + smart mouth in 2023. happy valentine’s day! As always, if you’re still hesitant about our toothpaste, we encourage you to just give Davids a try. The proof is in the paste, and you won’t ever want to go back to conventional toothpaste. Did you know that every single box of Davids has a secret love note written on it? Learn more about the love story behind “D2MFVAMB” here. To celebrate this month of love, treat your mouth to a tube of Davids. We know it’ll be the freshest February yet, and we hope you can feel the love that we put into every single tube of toothpaste. buy premium toothpaste now
Learn moreeverything you need to know about smarter, cleaner oral care
Better oral care begins with knowledge. That’s why our dental care blog goes beyond trends to share insights that help you make health- and earth-conscious choices for your smile.
Learn about everything from innovations like nano hydroxyapatite (nHA) to understanding what natural whitening involves. This oral health care blog breaks down the science with clarity to make it easy to understand and apply.
the Davids difference
Davids story began with a mission: to create premium oral care that’s good for people and the planet.
Every decision we make stems from integrity and respect for the environment. We use premium, naturally sourced and derived, USA-origin ingredients, recyclable metal tubes, and sustainable packaging.
As a family-owned and operated business going up against the giants of the toothpaste industry, we hold ourselves to higher standards because clean doesn’t just describe our premium ingredients; it describes our values, too.
You can read about these values and more in our transparent dental care blog.
sustainability in action
If you’re trying to live clean, we’re the toothpaste brand for you and your family. From recyclable packaging and aluminum tubes to our commitment to USA-based production, we’ve built sustainability into every step of our process.
We’re helping make conscious care a daily habit by reducing waste and supporting local manufacturing.
Learn, question, and smile brighter. Our oral health blog is an open space for learning and exploration. We hope each post will help you think differently about oral health and feel more empowered in your daily care routine.
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