Davids blog
why you're grinding your teeth + how can nano-hydroxyapatite help ease the effects
Do you wake up in the middle of the night with your teeth clenched? Or find that you're holding your tension in your jaw throughout the day? Teeth grinding/clenching (bruxism) is a common problem. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 adults experience it throughout the day, while 1 in 10 adults experience it throughout the night. The thing is, teeth grinding is not an easy problem to treat since there are so many different causes and impacts. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the common ones....since awareness is one of the first steps to understanding, evaluating, and adjusting the things that might be causing your chronic clenching. what causes grinding teeth? It’s likely that several factors are contributing to your chronic teeth grinding. We’ve listed some of the common ones below. We encourage you to make a mental note of the ones that pertain to you. Daytime teeth grinding is often associated with: stress anxiety tension acid reflux concentration Nighttime teeth grinding is often associated with: sleep apnea smoking drinking drug use excess caffeine consumption parasitic infection Keep in mind that certain medications (such as SSRIs) can also contribute to teeth grinding throughout the day or night. On top of this, mineral deficiencies such as low calcium + vitamin D levels and low magnesium levels have been known to play a role in clenching, too. what are some side effects of grinding teeth? Those of you who have dealt with teeth grinding are very aware of its side effects, some of which are listed below. sore jaw muscles: these muscles may appear more prominent (your jaw may look bigger/wider) after years of clenching, too. ear aches: have you ever thought you had an ear infection, but the doctor tells you it’s really just tightness from clenching your jaw? tension headaches: these typically feel like someone is squeezing your head, and the pain can be felt all around your head (rather than just in one particular area). tooth damage: over time, teeth grinding can “wear down” your teeth. In serious cases, it can even cause tooth fractures. tooth pain: teeth grinding can wear down your enamel, which can expose the tubules in your teeth that lead to your center nerve. This can cause sensitivity and pain. restricted range of motion in the jaw: tightness in this muscle can make it difficult to use your jaw's full range of motion. It can also make chewing feel painful and frustrating. temporomandibular joints (TMJ): located near your ears, TMJ can produce a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth. It’s clear that teeth clenching can impact your long-term health in many different ways, so we want to help you do everything you can to manage these symptoms. We’ve provided some advice on relief below. how to relieve tooth pain from grinding Since we’re a toothpaste brand, it’s only natural that we focus on the tooth-related side effects of bruxism. But don’t worry, we’ll touch on tips for a few other symptoms too. nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) In regards to tooth pain, one of the best things you can do to manage it is to protect and remineralize your enamel with nano-hydroxyapatite. As discussed in our previous article, brushing daily with our hydroxyapatite toothpaste can actually help to restore your enamel even after it's been damaged, so it’s one of the best methods for relieving tooth pain from grinding. You see, hydroxyapatite already naturally exists in your enamel, making up 97% of your enamel and 80% of your dentin (the layer right beneath the enamel). We also discussed that teeth grinding can be caused by calcium deficiency, and hydroxyapatite can help with that too! It’s a calcium-based mineral (calcium phosphate to be exact), so it’s a great supplement to replenish this mineral to keep your enamel healthy. Not to mention, nano-hydroxyapatite utilizes tiny particles to bind to the enamel to fill small holes, scratches, and depressions caused by bacteria and grinding. On top of that, our hydroxyapatite toothpaste has proven effective in reducing sensitivity. In our third-party lab test, Davids Sensitive + Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste outperformed other leading sensitive toothpastes from brands such as Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Tom’s Sensitive. Our formula was the most effective at plugging existing holes in the enamel (see photo evidence below), strengthening damaged areas to provide tooth sensitivity relief. This is amazing news for those of you who are dealing with sensitivity from teeth grinding and beyond! stress management Now, how can you treat the other pesky symptoms like headaches, ear aches, and jaw soreness? Our number one tip: stress management. We encourage you to practice habits such as meditation, mindfulness, hydration, movement, avoiding harmful substances, eating a balanced diet, detoxing your self-care routine, and sleep hygiene to reduce your body’s stress load and support your parasympathetic nervous system (the one that’s responsible for resting + digesting). Reducing your overall stress can work wonders on chronic teeth grinding...and a host of other issues that you may experience on a daily basis. (Note: We also encourage you to visit your dentist to talk about the best course of action for treating your bruxism. If habitual changes do not produce positive results, your dentist may suggest a mouth guard or a specific dental procedure.) On the subject of detoxing your self-care routine, natural toothpaste is the perfect place to start. Davids is formulated with intentional ingredients derived from nature. And our sensitive toothpaste adds the enamel-strengthening powers of hydroxyapatite to your daily routine. Why not give it a go? Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste Now.
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why use a tongue scraper? 5 little known facts about its benefits
Tongue scrapers have been taking the oral care world by storm. In light of their (well deserved) popularity, we’re discussing some of the little-known facts about them to reaffirm that the benefits of tongue scrapers extend far beyond the obvious squeaky clean tongue. 1: tongue scraping has been around for centuries You may have just recently learned about tongue scraping, but did you know that it dates back to ancient times? Tongue scraping is part of the daily ritual of Ayurveda, one of the oldest holistic healing practices in the world. It originated in India over 3,000 years ago, and many of its practices are still used worldwide today. Over the centuries, tongue scrapers have been made of metal (even sterling silver), wood, mother-of-pearl, whalebone, tortoiseshell, and more. Its popularity throughout the years reaffirms it’s an effective practice that has been loved and passed down by many. 2: tongue scraping can reduce your body’s toxic load Ayurveda upholds the idea that your tongue is directly connected to several of your vital organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, stomach, and spleen. When you use a tongue scraper, you’re directly removing bacteria and toxins from your tongue while massaging and stimulating the tissue. As a result, this removes toxins and massages/stimulates the organs associated with the tongue, reducing your body’s overall toxic load and restoring internal balance. 3: tongue scraping can improve your digestion and gut health Your oral microbiome and gut microbiome are very closely connected. To learn more about this, we recommend going back and reading the articles listed below. your mouth's special role in aiding digestion and taming inflammation: this article discusses how digestion begins in the mouth, where the enzymes in your saliva begin breaking down food and continue the process of digestion in your gut wondering how your oral microbiome impacts your overall health?: this article discusses the hundreds of types of bacteria in your oral microbiome and why an imbalance in these species can impact the health of your gut Now, back to tongue scraping. Cleaning your tongue is a critical part of maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in your oral microbiome. Tongue scraping allows you to tame the number of bad bacteria in your mouth while allowing good bacteria to flourish. This is important to note because other oral care products (such as alcohol mouthwash) can completely wipe out all of the good and bad bacteria in your mouth. We don’t want that! In short, tongue scraping allows you to maintain bacterial balance in your mouth, which can work wonders for the delicate bacterial balance in your gut. This makes for better digestion and overall health. 4: it’s important to use a tongue scraper first thing in the morning On the subject of bacterial balance in your oral microbiome....did you know it’s important to thoroughly clean your mouth first thing in the morning? When you’re sleeping, your mouth reduces its saliva production. You’re also not eating and drinking throughout the night, so your mouth isn’t getting “flushed” as often as it is throughout the day. This gives bacteria the perfect opportunity to grow and multiply overnight. If you were to take a big gulp of water or bite of food first thing in the morning, you’d be swallowing many of these bacteria. Instead, we recommend thoroughly cleaning your mouth first thing. This includes: rinsing with water to add some moisture back into your mouth brushing with Davids, as our intentional ingredients like peppermint oils, xylitol, baking soda, silica, vegetable glycerin, and more work to moisturize your mouth, break down plaque, reduce bacteria, whiten and polish your teeth, and freshen your breath tongue scraping right after brushing with Davids to remove stubborn bacteria from the cushy, grooved surface of your tongue that can so easily hang onto pathogens If you’re not already tongue scraping in the morning, give it a try. Trust us when we say you’ll notice a difference in freshness right away. 5: the specific design and material can enhance the benefits of a tongue scraper Tongue scrapers come in many different shapes and materials. In terms of shape, you’ll typically only find single-hand and double-hand (arch-shaped) tongue scrapers. But in terms of material, you’ll find metal tongue scrapers made from copper and stainless steel, and you’ll even find some tongue scrapers made with plastic and bristles. So, which one makes for the best tongue scraper? In terms of shape, we prefer single-handed tongue scrapers like the tongue sweeper model P. It was designed by a dentist, and it’s the only tongue scraper used by leading dental schools. It’s easy to grip and maneuver, allowing you to reach the entire surface of your tongue....and reduce the chances of triggering your gag reflex as you scrape. You’ll notice that this model has a stainless steel head, which is our personal favorite material. Of course, we prefer metal tongue scrapers over plastic, as they’re dishwasher safe and infinitely reusable….and we’re not the type to contribute to plastic pollution. We also prefer stainless steel over copper, as copper can sometimes bend out of shape easily or develop sharp edges. stay tuned While we’re on the topic of tongue scrapers, we figured we’d remind you that a new Davids product launch is around the corner. Hint: it cleans your tongue, it’s stainless steel, and it has a one-handed grip design. In the meantime, we recommend stocking up on the best natural toothpaste, so you can pair your tongue scraping with intentional ingredients that prioritize your holistic health. buy premium toothpaste now.
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how to make your child’s brushing routine fun and effective
It’s important to start healthy oral care habits at an early age. But what makes an oral care habit “healthy” anyway? You’ll get a lot of different answers for this one. But in our humble opinion, healthy oral care habits are holistic, meaning they consider the bigger picture. They take into account how each product will affect your (and your kiddo’s) body over time. They’re conscious of the fact that your oral care products affect more than just your mouth. In this article, we’re going to dive into different tips to make your child’s brushing routine fun and effective. But these aren’t your typical “set a timer” and “play some music” tips. These tips dive into the ways that small, intentional changes....like switching from conventional to natural toothpaste or from plastic to bamboo toothbrushes....can make a huge difference in the long term. Especially when you start these habits young. pick fun, safe, and effective products Convenience store shelves are full of sparkly (literally) kid's toothpaste options, so we know that choosing the right one can be overwhelming. While many of the conventional toothpastes look tempting with their shiny hues and ADA seals, we encourage you to dig a little deeper into the ingredients label, as many of these products contain not-so-great ingredients such as the ones listed below. artificial colors: dyes like “blue dye 1” are known cause allergic reactions and other harmful side effects sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): SLS is a chemical foaming agent that’s used in soaps, shampoos, and conventional toothpastes. It’s known to cause inflammation, irritation, dry mouth, and mouth sores that can lead to cavities (and more) down the road. artificial flavors: in conventional toothpaste, these flavors are often not derived from plants or other natural sources This is just the tip of the iceberg. Why take the chance on conventional toothpaste when you don’t even truly know if the ingredients are safe? goodbye conventional toothpaste, hello Davids (plus, a new flavor) You can rest easy knowing that Davids Natural Toothpaste doesn’t contain any of these potentially harmful ingredients. In fact, our natural toothpaste is free of harmful chemicals, making it one of the safest natural toothpaste options out there. Our formulas contain a short list of intentional ingredients sourced and derived from nature, some of which include: premium mint essential oils: we never use artificial flavors. In fact, our peppermint oils are strategically sourced in the US to ensure the highest quality and purity. Our mint oils not only provide amazing flavor, but they also work to fight bad bacteria in the mouth. natural flavors: new flavor alert! Davids Strawberry+Watermelon Toothpaste is the perfect addition to your kid’s brushing routine. Please know that unlike some of the other flavor oils we use (Peppermint, Spearmint, Wintergreen), there is no direct flavor extract for watermelon or strawberries that is shelf-stable and effective, so the flavors are created using other food-grade ingredients that are made from plants. These plant-based ingredients are classified as Natural Flavors vs non-plant-based synthetic chemical ingredients that are referred to as Artificial Flavors. xylitol: in place of artificial sweeteners, we use xylitol, a natural sweetener that’s derived from domestic birch trees. It’s also proven to stimulate saliva production while slowing the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth. sodium cocoyl glutamate: in place of chemical foaming agents like SLS, we use this ingredient derived from coconuts. It’s purified to create a mild and gentle foaming action....one that’s safe for your little ones’ teeth and won’t cause irritation. All of our ingredients follow our motto “sustain nature+you.” They’re safe for both humans and the planet, so you can feel confident and comfortable leaving our natural toothpaste in the hands and mouths of your curious kid(s). bamboo toothbrushes for the whole family Another amazing product that sustains nature+you (and your children): the bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo toothbrushes help to reduce the ~1 billion toothbrushes that reach US landfills every year. They are just as effective as your regular plastic toothbrush, but they’re biodegradable! Bamboo toothbrushes are also usually easier to grip than plastic toothbrushes, so they can help as your little ones begin to brush their teeth independently. Note: Stay tuned for a special announcement. In the meantime, we’ll be working on providing you with the best bamboo toothbrush out there. teach them techniques Your kid’s brushing routine should look something like this. Grab your bamboo toothbrush and natural kids toothpaste. We recommend our NEW strawberry watermelon flavor for kids + adults. Add an appropriate amount of toothpaste. But feel comfortable knowing your little one can safely swallow our natural toothpaste. Hold the bamboo toothbrush at a 45-ish degree angle. It should be more or less facing the gums. Gently move the toothbrush back and forth on each tooth using small strokes. These strokes don’t have to be big and aggressive, just enough to polish each tooth on the front, back, and top (chewing surface). Brush the tongue to remove more bacteria. This part is extremely important, as the tongue’s soft, porous surface is a breeding ground for bacteria. If your child is old enough and comfortable, have them use a tongue scraper. Teach them to floss. Flossing should start at the point when your child’s teeth begin to touch. Ensure you teach them the importance of flossing (brushing only cleans ~40% of the tooth’s surface, and flossing does the rest). Be sure to show them how to “hug” their tooth with the floss, making a c-shape around the tooth to clean the whole inner surface. We recommend CocoFloss since their floss is natural, non-toxic, uniquely textured, and infused with coconut oil. Plus, their flavors, colors, and packaging are sweet and fun! We encourage you to stick with these techniques, but also want you to remember to give yourself some grace. If your child’s oral care routine gets interrupted by vacations, sleepovers, hard nights, or anything else.... just pick the healthy oral care habits back up the next day! be an example We’re sure you’ve heard tips about fun ways to teach brushing teeth (reading stories, playing music, using a timer, rewarding good oral care habits), but nothing can replace leading by example. When your little one sees you getting excited about your oral care routine, they’ll be more inclined to feel the same excitement. After all, who wouldn’t be excited about brushing with a premium natural toothpaste that leaves you feeling fresher than ever? In all seriousness, remember that even as adults, it can be hard to find the motivation to do your lengthy oral care routine twice every day. So cut your kids (and yourself) a little slack if their brushing routine isn’t always perfect. Oh, and if you or your kids haven't experienced our new mouthwatering strawberry + watermelon toothpaste for both kids + adults, then order today! Buy Kids + Adults Premium Toothpaste Now.
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can enamel be restored? with the help of hydroxyapatite, it can be
Every day, bacteria and acids they produce work to weaken your enamel. In the dental world, this process is called demineralization. But don’t worry, with the right tools, there are so many things you can do to counteract demineralization. You just have to focus on habits (say, daily brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste) that give your body the opportunity to replenish the minerals that have been lost. In the dental world, this process is called remineralization. During remineralization, you’re supplying your enamel with nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. These elements bond together to form hydroxyapatite, which penetrates weak spots in your enamel that have been targeted by bacteria....and strengthens them from the inside out. You can think of your oral microbiome as a delicate ecosystem. You want to keep everything in balance to ensure that the demineralization doesn’t outweigh the remineralization. Otherwise, tooth decay can occur. But with knowledge, healthy habits, and the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can be sure you’re doing your best to maintain balance and avoid tooth decay, naturally. how can enamel be restored? Conventional dentistry will tell you that fluoride is the secret to remineralization and the prevention of tooth decay. But research shows that fluoride remineralization is heavily influenced by variables such as saliva quality and patient compliance, whereas non-fluoride remineralization techniques are less reliant on such variables and can still drastically improve the structure and acid-resistance of the enamel. Enter nano-hydroxyapatite. Unlike fluoride, hydroxyapatite already naturally exists in your enamel. In fact, it composes roughly 97% of your enamel and 80% of your dentin, so it’s an essential mineral to replenish if you want to keep your enamel strong and healthy. Because of its nano-particle size and its natural existence in your enamel, nano-hydroxyapatite has the unique ability to bond with proteins in your mouth to provide enamel repair, filling in small holes and depressions caused by bacteria and acids. In addition to daily brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, we recommend focusing on the following for enamel repair. maintain a healthy pH: acidic drinks like sports drinks, alcohol, and coffee are the biggest culprits to look out for. First, limit your intake of these drinks. If you decide to indulge, be sure to finish them in a short sitting (to reduce repeated exposure) and flush your mouth with water right after. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t be brushing your teeth directly after consuming an acidic food/drink, as your enamel is in a weakened state. Other factors can also disrupt the pH of your mouth, including acid reflux, mouth breath, and snoring. eat a mouth-healthy diet: as mentioned above, limit your mouth’s exposure to acidic/sugary foods and drinks, and instead focus on consuming mouth-healthy substances like water, dairy, lean protein, fibrous fruits + veggies, and healthy nuts + seeds. You can read more about the importance of nutrition for dental health here. support saliva production: if you’re brushing with Davids, you’re already doing something to support your saliva production. Our peppermint oils, xylitol, glycerin, and hydroxyapatite work together to facilitate saliva production. You can learn more about promoting saliva production, avoiding dry mouth, and the importance of Davids in our dry mouth FAQ here. have a holistic oral care routine: effective remineralization doesn’t stop at brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste. We recommend supplementing Davids with a healthy flossing routine (our friends at CocoFloss can help with that), tongue scraping (be on the lookout for a new launch coming soon), and oil pulling. Check out our list of product recommendations here. keep tabs on your tooth sensitivity: if you already have noticeably sensitive teeth, one key way to determine if hydroxyapatite is “working” is to keep tabs on your sensitivity. As hydroxyapatite works to remineralize your enamel and plug the exposed “holes” that lead to your tooth’s center nerve, you should experience noticeable tooth sensitivity relief. Always remember that prevention is your best friend when it comes to maintaining a healthy oral microbiome. You want to prioritize remineralization before your enamel reaches the point of permanent damage/decay. at what point is the demineralization irreversible? Many dentists say that small (early) cavities can still be reversed....sometimes. This requires diligent cleaning and application of remineralizing agents like hydroxyapatite toothpaste. On the other hand, once the enamel is weakened enough for the decay to reach the softer layer below (the dentin), a permanent hole can form, leaving a cavity. At this point, demineralization has outweighed the remineralization, and your enamel has been stripped. Remineralization with hydroxyapatite won’t reverse the damage because your enamel cannot regrow (it’s not living tissue). Remineralization can only strengthen the enamel that’s still physically there. This is why you want to focus on remineralizing your enamel before your dentist notices a cavity (even if it’s a small one). what’s so special about our hydroxyapatite toothpaste? We’ve discussed why hydroxyapatite is so essential to the process of enamel repair. But with so many options out there, how do you know which hydroxyapatite toothpaste to choose? You may think we’re biased, because...well, we are. We naturally think our hydroxyapatite toothpaste is the best on the block. But you’re in luck....because our third-party test results are not biased. We hired a trusted third-party lab to compare Davids Sensitive + Whitening Nano-Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste to our leading “sensitive toothpaste” competitors: Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Tom’s Sensitive. When examining the results, you can literally see (below) that our hydroxyapatite toothpaste was the most effective at plugging existing holes in the enamel, remineralizing weakened areas to provide tooth sensitivity relief and guard against decay. Try it out yourself. What do you have to lose (besides enamel damage and sensitivity)? Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste / Peppermint Now.
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spring clean your vegan oral care routine with Davids + these seasonal foods
You may know this about us already, but we’re huge advocates of holistic oral health. What exactly does that mean? It means cultivating oral health from every angle...your oral hygiene routine, your supplements, your sleep habits, your stress management, and your gut health. And all of these things involve your diet. Not only do foods have the power to make or (literally) break the surface of your teeth, they provide you with essential nutrients to promote gut health, mental health, oral health, and more. As a vegan, it can be a little bit trickier to ensure you’re getting the best nutrients for your oral health through your diet alone. That’s exactly why we’re sharing some fresh spring foods that are amazing for your oral health. Oh, and that’s also why we’ve created the best natural vegan toothpaste on the market. Not to mention, one of these vegan toothpastes is fortified with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), one of the best natural substances for strengthening your enamel and promoting oral health and longevity. 1: mint Mint doesn’t just freshen your breath. It actually has natural antibacterial properties, allowing it to tame the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth. It plays a huge role in maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth (which is also super important for your gut). On top of that, mint is also anti-inflammatory. This means that it can ease pain, reduce sensitivity, and soothe swelling and redness. Last but not least, mint is rich in vitamins and minerals, and it increases saliva production! Saliva helps with flushing bacteria, breaking down food for digestion, and preventing dry mouth....all of which are essential for your overall oral health! Depending on the flavor, you’ll find peppermint oil and spearmint oil in our vegan toothpaste. We’ve developed custom mint blends that are ultra-premium and sourced+produced here in the USA. 2: strawberries This sweet spring treat is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and more, so strawberries naturally benefit your immune system and overall health. They may be red, but did you know that they actually have the ability to whiten your teeth? Strawberries contain malic acid, which naturally works to whiten your enamel. Take that fun fact with a grain of salt though, as fruit could never replace the whitening power of a carefully formulated substance like our vegan toothpaste....which contains baking soda, hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, and more to keep your pearly whites shining. 3: carrots Carrots are nutritious, fibrous, and rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts saliva production, and saliva naturally flushes damaging acids from the surface of your teeth. It also helps to produce the wet coating on your gums and cheeks, making it harder for microorganisms and oral pathogens to get comfy inside your oral microbiome. For an added benefit, pair your carrots with some celery, as it’s rich in water, antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin A, too! 4: apples Some people call apples “nature’s toothbrush,” but we still think you should keep your real toothbrush. Not only do raw, fibrous fruits like apples supply you with essential vitamins and nutrients, but they also have the ability to “exfoliate” and clean the surface of your teeth as you eat them. 5: leafy greens Leafy greens offer essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and phosphorus, all of which work to keep your teeth strong and resistant to wear/decay. In the spring, the following leafy greens are in peak season: kale swiss chard spinach cabbage collard greens Take your pick! When you eat them whole, their textured surfaces also work on polishing the surface of your teeth. But if you get tired of them, try hiding them in smoothies to get that extra nutrient boost throughout your day. 6: nuts and seeds Various nuts and seeds like almonds, brazil nuts, walnuts, chia seeds, and more are rich in calcium, protein, and phosphorus. Together, calcium and phosphorus create calcium phosphate, a substance that strengthens your bones and teeth, making them more resilient to damage and decay. make hydroxyapatite a habit Of course, our vegan toothpaste provides your mouth with intentional ingredients that work together to break down plaque, reduce bad bacteria, cleanse, exfoliate, and whiten your teeth. But as a vegan, because you’re not consuming any calcium-rich animal products or animal byproducts, it’s important to make hydroxyapatite a habit. Hydroxyapatite is a calcium-based mineral that already exists in your enamel and dentin, so brushing daily with hydroxyapatite toothpaste can replenish nutrients that have been stripped away through normal wear and tear. Because of its small particle size and natural occurrence in your body, nano-hydroxyapatite has the unique ability to bind to your tooth’s enamel, remineralizing any damage from the inside out. Our third-party lab results show that regular brushing with our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can plug and remineralize tubules (holes) and imperfections in your enamel, reducing sensitivity and promoting long-term oral health. In addition to a healthy diet, it’s one of the best things you can add to your vegan oral care routine. Don’t just take our word for it...see for yourself! buy premium toothpaste now.
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five things you need to know about abrasives in toothpaste
You’ve heard of exfoliators for your skin, but now it’s time to talk about exfoliators for your pearly whites! Abrasives in toothpaste (at least, the safe + high-quality ones) are ingredients that are coarse enough to break up the plaque on your teeth but gentle enough to keep your enamel healthy. Remember the enamel? We talk about it all the time. It’s the hard outer shell of your tooth that protects the vulnerable, essential stuff underneath (nerves, tissues, etc.), allowing your tooth to withstand physical, thermal, and chemical interactions. Because your enamel is so important, abrasive ingredients often get a bad rap. There’s a very delicate balance between cleaning the enamel and avoiding enamel wear + tear that must be maintained to achieve effective oral care. Plus, there are so many toothpastes on the market that utilize harsh, low-quality abrasives that ultimately have a net negative effect on your oral health. That’s why we feel like it’s so important to discuss the details about abrasives in toothpaste....and how the abrasives in Davids are natural, safe, and effective. 1: abrasives in toothpastes can be beneficial So, you might be wondering, if abrasives pose any threat to the beloved enamel, why not just ditch them altogether? Well, because they bring a lot of benefits for your teeth (when done right). The main role of an abrasive ingredient is to break up + remove plaque from your enamel, kinda like exfoliating your skin removes dead cells and toxins. Removing plaque from your tooth’s surface is the number one defense against tooth decay. This stops the bad bacteria from getting comfortable and settling in on the gooey film on your teeth...eventually eating through your enamel and causing a cavity. This is one reason why it’s so important to find safe abrasives that get the job done without harming your enamel in the process (that would defeat the purpose). Plus, abrasives in toothpaste are proven effective in removing surface stains + polishing your pearly whites. Using safe, gentle abrasives in your toothpaste is a win, win! 2: toothpastes are scored by Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) is a standardized scale used to measure the potential damaging effects of abrasives in toothpaste. The ADA recommends using toothpaste with an RDA rating below 250. Depending on the flavor, Davids falls between 101-111, which is well within the safety recommendation! You’ll notice on any toothpaste abrasiveness chart that products with big whitening claims like “extra whitening” and “ultra-bright” are generally higher on the RDA scale. That’s because these toothpastes utilize harsher abrasives to get rid of surface stains. Be wary of these toothpastes, as their whitening effects may come at a much bigger price: the health of your enamel. 3: tooth wear involves a lot more than abrasive toothpaste When it comes to damaging your enamel, there’s a lot more at play than simply the RDA of your toothpaste. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, explains that there are three primary factors that contribute to tooth wear. Abrasion: interaction between the teeth and other materials (aka, abrasive toothpaste) Attrition: tooth-to-tooth contact Erosion: wear due to acids from your environment and/or diet A scientific survey reveals that out of the 100 cases of problematic tooth wear, 58% were attributed to erosion alone. In contrast, zero cases were attributed to abrasion alone. In fact, research shows that normal toothbrushing with products within RDA limits will cause virtually no wear on the enamel over the course of a lifetime. 4: you know your mouth the best When it comes to deciding what’s “too abrasive,” hone in on how your mouth actually feels when you use abrasive toothpaste. Here are a few tips to help: When you try a new abrasive toothpaste, make sure you’re using the same toothbrush. That way, you know if it causes discomfort it’s actually because of the toothpaste....not because your toothbrush bristles are too “hard” for your mouth. The same tip above goes for mouthwash, floss, and other oral care products. You want the toothpaste to be the only variable in this experiment. Avoid rigorous brushing when using abrasive toothpaste. Practicing mindfulness during your oral care routine can help with this! Write down if you feel any discomfort after several uses. Common discomforts associated with enamel wear include tooth/gum sensitivity, bleeding, pain when consuming hot/cold items, and gum recession. Visit your dentist to have them examine your mouth. Relay the notes you took on the discomforts associated with your new toothpaste and ask for a recommendation. That being said, many Davids users have confirmed that our natural toothpaste works wonders for their sensitive teeth...with no discomfort! The high-grade, micro-abrasives in Davids are sourced and derived from nature, ultra-fine, and non-gritty. They allow for a smooth and creamy paste that’s ideal for people with sensitive teeth....yet still effective in reducing plaque and whitening your teeth. 5: Davids contains the highest-quality mild abrasives The quality of abrasive ingredients plays a critical role in the safety + efficacy of your toothpaste. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many companies are getting away with low-quality abrasive ingredients (even some natural brands)! The sourcing, handling, and processing of the ingredient are critical...which is why we take so much pride in using high-quality, naturally sourced, naturally derived, and 98% USA-origin ingredients. This sets our ingredients apart from the rest and squashes any worries you may still have about abrasive toothpaste. Let’s take a closer look at the mild abrasive ingredients in Davids. Hydrated Silica: While Davids uses the highest quality, USA-made hydrated silica with ultra-fine particles, others use low-quality imported silica with large abrasive particles. What is hydrated silica? It’s a derivative of silica, a natural material that makes up 12% of the earth’s surface. Hydrated silica in toothpaste works to remove surface stains to whiten and polish your teeth. Calcium Carbonate: Another natural material, our calcium carbonate is mined from a quarry in Pennsylvania and processed to uphold the strictest purity standards. It works to assist hydrated silica on the quest to exfoliate, clean, and whiten your teeth. Baking Soda: Made with naturally occurring minerals and materials, baking soda is a common, mild abrasive used to remove surface stains and neutralize acids on your teeth (you know, the acids that caused 58% of tooth wear in the study mentioned in the previous section). Baking soda alone is rated as a seven on the RDA scale...only three scores above brushing your teeth with plain water! Our careful intention with selecting and producing these abrasives can make all the difference in cleaning, whitening, and protecting your enamel. That’s exactly why we (and a lot of other happy customers) believe Davids is the best natural toothpaste out here. buy premium toothpaste now.
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why you may be having an allergic reaction to your toothpaste
Let’s be honest. When springtime comes around, seasonal allergies are a hot topic of conversation. Our itchy noses and throats, watery eyes, and more-than-occasional sneezing all have the power to disrupt our day. (By the way, if you don’t experience seasonal allergies, you basically hit the jackpot.) When we try a new skincare product and break out into a rash or discover a new food allergy, we’re usually quick to investigate it, tell stories about it, and steer cut out the culprit. But why are toothpaste allergies so seldom discussed? Well, there are a number of reasons, some of which include: Toothpaste allergies are generally less common than the allergies mentioned above. The mouth is a “taboo” place, and it can feel awkward to discuss it. We think: how can we even know the allergic reaction is coming from toothpaste? Toothpaste allergies present themselves in so many different forms. The list goes on. But if you’re someone who has ever experienced an allergic reaction to toothpaste, you probably want to understand the ins and outs of it. And if you haven’t experienced it, it never hurts to prepare! That’s exactly what we’re here to help with, and remind you of all the reasons that Davids makes a great toothpaste for people prone to allergies. common toothpaste allergies + their symptoms First off, toothpaste allergies are a real thing! So if you’ve been noticing irritation after switching to a new toothpaste, or you just want to be aware of the possibility of a toothpaste allergy in the future...you’re not crazy, and this information will help you! So, what are some common symptoms that stem from an allergic reaction to toothpaste? They depend on a wide range of conditions, but we’ve included some common symptoms below. Cheilitis: severe inflammation of the lips that causes dryness, redness, cracking, and itching. Often, it looks like red swollen patches at the corners of your mouth. Chapped lips: and we mean the kind of lip chapping that doesn’t go away with hydration and chapstick! Contact dermatitis: commonly known as a rash, which can occur around/near your mouth if you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to toothpaste. Irritation within the mouth: although, symptoms inside the mouth are less common and often harder to notice. But the severity of your allergic reaction will really depend on what specific ingredient(s) might be causing the problem. So let’s go through a few common allergens in toothpaste. Dyes: Have you ever tried a toothpaste that’s bright blue and sparkly? While it may look pretty, Blue 1 is a synthetic dye made from petroleum that’s believed to be linked to allergies and other health conditions. Artificial sweeteners: Many toothpastes contain saccharin since it can sweeten toothpaste without the dental harms of sugar. However, it can cause rashes and irritation around your mouth and other bodily discomforts. Artificial preservatives: Many conventional toothpastes use artificial preservatives such as parabens, which are known to cause irritation upon contact with the skin and mouth. Fragrance: Some conventional toothpastes also use fragrance to give the product a fresh smell. (We prefer to get our minty fresh smell from peppermint oils derived from nature). The umbrella “fragrance” is a very common allergen in skin care and oral care products. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): You’ve probably heard us talk about this one before, but SLS is a foaming agent typically found in shampoo. Results of an SLS toothpaste allergy include canker sores and cheilitis. Fluoride: Unfortunately, this famous, enamel-strengthening ingredient is also a common allergen. Fluoride allergy symptoms include cuts or lesions in your mouth and swelling of your mouth, tongue, or face. If over ingested, fluoride can also cause symptoms like nausea, headaches, muscle weakness, and more. Gluten: Surprise! Due to its sticky nature, gluten is used in a lot of conventional toothpastes. In addition to digestive issues, gluten can cause rashes and irritation if you’re sensitive to it. If you’ve been experiencing some discomfort in your mouth, try checking for any of these ingredients in your current tube! how to identify why you’re having an allergic reaction to toothpaste In addition to observing your symptoms (some of which are outlined above), consider the following steps. Stop using the suspected toothpaste and switch back to your previous toothpaste. This is the easiest way to confirm if your toothpaste is the cause of your allergic reaction. Plus, by switching back to a previous one, you know you won’t be buying another tube that gives you the same trouble. Visit your doctor. The best way to get some answers is to talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Ask your doctor about the possibility of allergy testing. This can help you narrow down specific ingredients to avoid in future toothpaste purchases. Try a new allergy-friendly toothpaste, like Davids Natural Toothpaste. We know we’re biased, so we’ll stick to the facts. Davids completely avoids the common allergens mentioned in the previous section, so that’s quite promising! Let’s take a deeper dive into why Davids is a good toothpaste for allergies. why Davids is a great toothpaste for allergies Davids Natural Toothpaste never uses artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes, or fragrances. We’re proud that our toothpaste gets its minty-fresh scent+taste and keeps its freshness through naturally derived ingredients like peppermint, spearmint, xylitol, vegetable glycerin, and more! On top of that, Davids is an SLS-free toothpaste. In place of SLS, we use a gentle+mild foaming agent called sodium cocoyl glutamate that’s derived from coconut. It goes through an advanced processing system to ensure high quality and efficacy. Last, but certainly not least, Davids is a fluoride-free toothpaste. Even without fluoride, Davids works to remove plaque from your teeth, balance the bacteria in your mouth, polish and whiten your enamel, and work to prevent cavities. (As a side note, are you curious to learn about a natural alternative to fluoride toothpaste? It’s called hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and you can learn more about it in this article on our blog, and stay tuned for some future relevant announcements!) At the end of the day, we’re proud to offer a safe natural toothpaste that’s proven effective, even for some of the more sensitive mouths out there! If any of the information in this article resonated with your toothpaste experience, consider it a nudge from the universe to make Davids your toothpaste allergy alternative. buy premium toothpaste now.
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is hydroxyapatite toothpaste safe for your kids?
Your little ones are brushing their own teeth. Well, by brushing we mean eating, swallowing, spitting, getting it up their noses, and making a mess. Anyways, we digress. With all the potential swallowing going on, it might have you thinking long and hard about what’s actually inside your “kids toothpaste” tube. If it’s a conventional kids' toothpaste, you’ve probably come across an unsettling list of ingredients. After all, what in the world are “trisodium phosphate” and “flavor”? You start looking for better, natural alternatives. You’ve found some natural toothpastes with fluoride and some with this funky-sounding ingredient called hydroxyapatite. That’s a long and weird word that doesn’t sound natural at all. Is it even safe for your kids? The answer is yes, and we’re here to explain how and why. So you can rest easy knowing that hydroxyapatite is not only safe for your kids to swallow, it’s also working wonders for their developing teeth. what the science says According to science, hydroxyapatite is not only safe for your kids, but it’s also effective in reducing cavities. The first company to sell commercial hydroxyapatite toothpaste, SANGI CO LTD, conducted a field study of 1,000 Japanese schoolchildren and found that the toothpaste reduced new caries by 36-56% over 3 years. No wonder hydroxyapatite has remained the gold standard of oral care in Japan for the last four decades. A 2018 study on Early Childhood Caries (ECC) confirms that it's critical to ensure your children are brushing their teeth to avoid ECC. This is obvious, but what’s not obvious is that non-toxic, remineralizing agents can effectively work to reduce ECC. The study explicitly recommends the use of hydroxyapatite, as it can be swallowed without posing risks of toxicity. Another study published in 2020 revealed that biomimetic, fluoride-free hydroxyapatite oral care products effectively reduce tooth decay, especially in children. A year-long clinical trial conducted in 2021 concluded that hydroxyapatite toothpaste is not inferior to fluoride in reducing enamel caries in children. In addition, it confirmed that (unlike fluoride) hydroxyapatite is highly biocompatible and does not pose harm if accidentally swallowed. This is just the tip of the iceberg of scientific evidence supporting the use of hydroxyapatite products in kids’ oral care routines. It’s non-toxic, and it gets the job done! why hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a safer option for kids When we say hydroxyapatite is non-toxic, you might be thinking, “Of course, why would anyone put a toxic ingredient in kids' toothpaste?” We ask ourselves the same question all the time. The truth is, other common cavity-preventing, enamel-strengthening ingredients can be toxic to the human body (especially the little ones that are rapidly developing). Let’s look at fluoride as an example. Fluoride in toothpaste alone isn’t a huge health threat to little ones. The problem occurs when your child consumes fluoride from several different sources in a single day. Common sources of fluoride include toothpastes, gels, dental treatments, mouthwash, lozenges, and some salts. With so many different sources of fluoride, it’s easy to ingest too much, which can lead to fluorosis in the body. Researchers explicitly state that children should avoid the use of high-concentrated fluoride products to avoid the potential side effects. After all, little ones tend to swallow products like toothpaste, gels, and mouthwashes more than adults. We don’t blame them, these products are often filled with tasty sweeteners and fun colors! Note: Every single one of our natural toothpastes (not just our hydroxyapatite toothpaste) is fluoride-free and SLS-free, and contains ingredients sourced and derived from nature. In other words, none of our natural toothpaste flavors pose the risk of chemical exposure. That’s why you’ll never find a Poison Control label on any of our tubes! why Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is great for kids What makes Davids the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids? It provides true tooth sensitivity relief. Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste avoids the use of fluoride and chemical numbing agents....and instead treats and repairs sensitive teeth at the source. Because hydroxyapatite already naturally exists in your teeth and bones, it's able to easily bind to your tooth, penetrate the enamel, and strengthen it from the inside out. Our third-party lab results prove that Davids Sensitive + Whitening Nano Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste outperformed leading sensitive toothpastes, plugging exposed pathways (tubules) in the enamel that lead to the tooth’s center nerve. Some users experience tooth sensitivity relief and enamel repair in as little as 5 days! It does NOT contain dyes, fillers, preservatives, or harmful chemicals. Many conventional kids' toothpastes contain blue dyes, chemical foaming agents (SLS), chemical thickeners, and a vague form of “flavor.” Rest easy knowing Davids avoids all of these additives. It does contain intentional ingredients. We’re firm believers that a short list of intentional ingredients can go a long way. All of our naturally-derived ingredients serve a specific purpose in polishing, fortifying, and freshening your kids' (and your own) teeth. Check out our ingredient breakdown here! It’s EWG verified. Whew, we appreciate organizations like EWG who filter out harmful products for us. Our natural toothpaste is EWG verified, meaning it has received the highest rating + stamp of approval when evaluated using EWG's strict health and transparency standards. You can read more about why Davids is a great natural toothpaste here. But when you add hydroxyapatite to the mix, it becomes an unbeatable (+safe and effective) option for your kiddos. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste Now.
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get to know the important role of glycerin in your vegan toothpaste
As you’ll read in our first-ever blog post, most toothpastes on the market are not vegan. Many people (including some long-time vegans) are shocked to find this out! You see, toothpastes need humectants: gooey moisturizing ingredients that keep the toothpaste from drying out inside its tube. For many many years, glycerin has been the go-to humectant for toothpaste and other personal care products like soaps, lotions, conditioners, surface cleaners, and more. But what many people don’t realize is that conventional glycerin is derived from animal fat. In fact, throughout history, oral care pioneers used several different animal products to make their own toothpaste. Let’s dive into that history to understand why animal byproducts became so prevalent in self-care items....and discover how the Davids formula pushes the envelope and uses vegetable glycerin to provide the best vegan toothpaste out there. a glimpse into the history of toothpaste To better understand how animal fat became the go-to humectant in toothpaste, let’s take a look at the history of toothpaste. Dating back to 3,000 BC, ancient Egyptians developed toothpastes made from oxen hooves, eggshells, myrrh, pumice, and water. It’s also said that ancient Chinese toothpaste mixtures were composed of ground fish bones, while ancient Greeks and Romans used crushed bones and oyster shells to create their pastes. While none of these sound particularly appealing or gentle on the enamel, they had the right idea. In fact, pumice mixtures are still used by dental professionals to clean and polish patients’ teeth, and conventional toothpastes are still using animal products to achieve the desired consistency and polishing effect. When you see that old mixtures used oxen hooves and fish bones, it’s not so “out there” to think about animal fat in most toothpastes (and so many other household products)! However, when our founder, Eric, was on his four-year journey of perfecting the Davids formula, it was very important to him to create a vegan toothpaste that preserves the consistency, quality, and efficacy of non-vegan toothpaste. At the time, Eric was frustrated by the not-so-great ingredients used in toothpaste, even the “natural” toothpastes on the market. He wanted to create the best natural vegan toothpaste out there....one that sustains nature+you by respecting animal lives, utilizing ingredients sourced and derived from nature, and effectively working to remove plaque, whiten your teeth, and freshen your breath. This was no easy feat....no wonder it took four years to perfect the Davids formula! how is Davids’ glycerin different? After all that talk about animal fat, you might be wondering how our plant-based toothpaste even contains glycerin. We use vegetable glycerin in our vegan toothpaste. It’s made with vegetable oil derived from soy plants that are processed into a pure, food-grade ingredient. During processing, the glycerin separates from the fatty acids in the oil to form the syrup-like liquid that gives your vegan toothpaste it's thick and creamy texture. Davids is also a certified cruelty-free toothpaste. You’ll notice that all of our tubes sport the Leaping Bunny certification, which is the only globally-recognized seal confirming that the development of the product avoids animal testing at every step. On top of this, the vegetable glycerin in Davids is produced domestically in the US, while many other companies import vegetable glycerin from around the world (typically from Malaysia). This further reduces the carbon footprint of our sourcing and manufacturing process....and also allows us to support American jobs! is glycerin bad for your teeth, or does glycerin cause demineralization? There is an old internet rumor that glycerin coats your teeth and causes your teeth to demineralize….simply untrue. The next time you see this posted online, contact the person who did a cut/paste on this misinformation, and ask them to provide the study that shows this to be true….there is no study showing this. If this false rumor was true then there would be an epidemic of people having demineralized teeth, since it’s one of the most common ingredients in toothpaste. The reality is actually the opposite! Glycerin works to moisten your mouth which helps remineralize your teeth! so, what does glycerin actually do? On top of giving your vegan toothpaste its gooey consistency, our vegetable glycerin also works to: prevent / reduce dry mouth: glycerin is proven to moisten your mouth by activating your salivary glands. Because dry mouth is a result of under-performing salivary glands, glycerin works directly to prevent and/or reduce this condition! By doing so, it consequently enhances your taste, aids your digestion, and neutralizes harmful acids in your mouth. reduce bacteria: dry mouths are the perfect place for bacteria to thrive, so preventing dry mouth alone reduces bacteria buildup in your oral microbiome. Glycerin is also known to be bacteriostatic, meaning it prevents the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth which could otherwise lead to enamel damage, gum disease, and/or tooth decay. On top of that, its ability to reduce bacteria also helps to provide you with effective vegan teeth whitening. enhance our essential oil flavors: in addition to enhancing your taste, glycerin also enhances the flavors of our mint oils! Did you know that mint oils not only taste amazing and leave behind minty-fresh breath, they actually aid in reducing bacteria in your mouth as well? Research shows that peppermint oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, allowing it to fight bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in your mouth. keep our ingredients from separating: this is important because all of our ingredients are intentional, and each one plays a key role in reducing plaque, whitening your teeth, and freshening your breath. We want them to be evenly distributed throughout your mouth when you brush, and glycerin helps us accomplish this. Who knew a little bit of vegetable oil could go such a long way? Spoiler alert: Eric knew, which is why he was able to craft the best vegan toothpaste out there (with help from numerous industry experts, of course). give vegan toothpaste a go Now that you know vegetable glycerin can achieve all the greatness of animal-derived glycerin, why not give it a go? After all, our specific vegetable glycerin is gentler on the planet, respects animal lives, and supports American jobs while carrying all of its oral care responsibilities. We may be biased, but we think that’s pretty impressive. Why don’t you see for yourself? Find out why so many people are switching to our natural vegan toothpaste. buy premium toothpaste now.
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