Davids blog
our top four tips to help you prep for Plastic Free July
Wanna join the 326 million people in Plastic Free July but don’t know where to start? Check out these top tips from your favorite plastic free toothpaste brand.
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how to choose the right toothbrush to complement the best natural toothpaste
The first bristle toothbrush was invented by the Chinese somewhere around the 15th-16th centuries...with bristles made of wild hog hair. Fast forward a few centuries, and toothbrushes have come a long way. At this point, you can find hundreds of toothbrushes stuffed onto convenience store shelves, and millions more are just a mouse click away....the options are overwhelming! Well, we’re here to help you sift through those overwhelming options. Not all toothbrushes are created equal. And, although we hate to say it...not all brushers are created equal either. It’s important to understand the way you brush, what feels good, and your mouth’s specific needs. Your search for the perfect brush can take some research and maybe a little trial and error. But, finding the right match for you can make all the difference. For instance, choosing the right toothbrush can help you... Get the most out of your toothpaste (perhaps, your favorite premium natural toothpaste?). Maintain a healthy oral microbiome (that fancy bacteria city in your mouth that’s connected to your gut health, mental health, and systemic disease). Not hate brushing...which is important since you’re supposed to do it at least twice a day. Alright, let’s floss through some toothbrush options. importance of choosing the right toothbrush So, you already know that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” option when it comes to toothbrushes. The best toothbrush for your personal needs will depend on a variety of things, such as: How hard you brush How long you naturally brush (we know, two minutes can feel long) Sensitivity of your teeth and gums Your dexterity Your dental history Budget (there are some fancy brushes out there) Other personal preferences Choosing the right toothbrush allows you to more effectively care for your oral microbiome. Specifically, Davids Natural Toothpaste is fortified with ingredients that aim to reduce plaque, freshen your breath, and balance your oral microbiome. But if your toothbrush isn’t reaching and effectively cleaning every part of your mouth (like those hard-to-reach areas behind your molars), you might not be getting the most out of your natural toothpaste. And we definitely don’t want that. different types of toothbrushes + who they work best for With such an array of options out there, we’ve lined up a few criteria to help you narrow down what’s best for you and your smile! electric toothbrush vs manual The question that keeps everyone up at night...oh, just us? Anyways, you should consider an electric toothbrush if: Getting through two minutes of brushing feels like pulling teeth You zone out and have no concept of time when you brush Your manual dexterity is limited You tend to brush too hard Your dentist tells you that your teeth don’t seem clean from your manual toothbrush An 11-year study of electric vs manual toothbrushes confirmed the benefits of electric toothbrushes. The study found that long-term use of electric toothbrushes effectively cleaned teeth and reduced periodontal (gum) disease. But this doesn't mean electric toothbrushes are always the way to go. If your mouth feels uncomfortable with the vibrations of an electric toothbrush, then you may be better off with a manual toothbrush. At the end of the day, enjoying the everyday ritual of brushing is essential. soft vs hard toothbrush bristles You’ll want to choose the type of toothbrush bristles depending on how hard you brush and how sensitive your mouth is. On the convenience store shelves, you’ll find a few different types of toothbrush bristles: extra-soft, soft, and medium-soft. Because most dentists recommend soft bristles, you won’t find hard-bristled (aka firm-bristled) toothbrushes over the counter. Here are a few things to consider when you’re choosing your toothbrush bristle type: If you know you tend to brush hard, go with soft or extra-soft bristles. Brushing too hard with harder bristles could harm your enamel and gums. If you go with an electric toothbrush, you may want to ensure that the bristles are soft, since the rotation and vibration can add extra pressure. If you’ve tried a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles and it feels like it’s not doing the trick, try medium-soft. Otherwise, you can stick with softer bristles...but make sure they’re multi-layered or angled for a deeper clean. Always remember, more pressure does not equal cleaner teeth! This can actually contribute to receding gums. As always, be sure to talk to your dentist about what bristles suit your needs. toothbrush head+handle If you’re a perfectionist (which we completely understand), you’ll want to consider the toothbrush head size+type as well as the kind of toothbrush handle you want. There are so many different shapes, sizes, and materials out there. You’ll want to keep a few things in mind. How easy is it to hold and maneuver your toothbrush? If you’re opting for an electric option, remember it’ll be moving! Choose one that will easily fit in your hand. Do you care about sustainability? We do too. If you’re choosing a manual option, consider a bamboo toothbrush, since it will biodegrade over time. Do you struggle to reach certain spots in your mouth with your current toothbrush? You may want to consider a smaller, angled toothbrush head. But with a smaller head, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving each pearly white enough attention. We know, there’s a lot to consider here! But it helps to know that taking the time to find the right toothbrush will help you get the most out of your oral care routine and natural toothpaste. how to keep your perfect toothbrush clean You’ve spent all this time+energy selecting the perfect toothbrush, and now all you want to do is keep it safe. We get it…..a lot of bacteria circulates in the bathroom. So, we wanted to share a few tips (natural, of course) for keeping your perfect toothbrush safe. Rinse it with hot water for 15 seconds before and after use. Let it dry completely after use. If you put a toothbrush cap on when it’s still wet, it can actually grow more bacteria. Avoid keeping your toothbrush next to other toothbrushes. Keep it as far from the toilet as possible. If you can, keep it away from the sink, too. This seems counterintuitive, but bacteria and dirty water can splash onto your brush! Create a mixture of vinegar, water, and baking soda. To disinfect your toothbrush, soak it in the mixture for 30 minutes. If you use a toothbrush holder, clean it regularly by handwashing it with dish soap. Of course, you really should replace your toothbrush every three months. It’s also a good idea to replace it anytime you’re sick. happy brushing! We hope this advice helps you on your search for the perfect toothbrush....or should we call it, the perfect vehicle for the best natural toothpaste. buy now.
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what causes sensitive teeth, and how can Davids help?
While we do not market Davids as a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth, we’ve had a number of happy customers report back to us that Davids has worked wonders for their sensitivity. So, we figured we’d share some helpful information surrounding tooth sensitivity: What causes sensitive teeth? How can chemical treatments such as chemotherapy+radiation therapy affect sensitivity? What can you do to prevent+treat sensitivity? Of course, we’ll talk about the specific ways that Davids Natural Toothpaste can help fight sensitivity...plus a little announcement about supporting an amazing foundation! what causes sensitive teeth? Teeth sensitivity is a pretty (and unfortunately) common condition. You may have felt its pain a time or two when you bite down on something cold or take a sip of a hot drink...or even if you smile wide and “suck in” cool air. Whether you know the feeling or not, we can all agree it’s not pleasant. So...what causes it? Tooth sensitivity occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth (dentin) becomes exposed. This happens when your gum tissue recedes or your enamel deteriorates, leaving all the tiny channels in the dentin uncovered and vulnerable. These channels lead to the tooth’s nerve center, allowing any hot, cold, and sweet things to reach the nerve in your tooth and cause a unique pain. There are so many different everyday things that can lead to tooth sensitivity, such as: The ingredients in some oral care products (namely, peroxide+acids) Recent dental procedures Brushing too hard Grinding your teeth Cracked teeth Gum disease Plaque buildup Acidic foods Age It can be hard to pinpoint a single cause of tooth sensitivity since all of these things can act together (with your oral genetics) to create a perfect storm of sensitivity. The good news is, knowing all of these causes can give you some direction to treat tooth sensitivity. Don’t worry, we’ll get into some specific tips+tricks shortly. oral sensitivity from chemotherapy+radiation In addition to the everyday causes of tooth sensitivity, chemotherapy+radiation can play a unique role in the onset of sensitive teeth (and other oral discomforts). One-third of patients who undergo cancer treatment experience oral complications. Specifically, chemotherapy aims to slow+stop the growth of fast-growing cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy, fast-growing cells...including the ones in the mouth. It can also disturb the healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth (that oral microbiome we always mention) and decrease the number of white blood cells that fight infection. In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy of the head+neck can also directly damage oral tissue, salivary glands, and bone. As a result, both treatments can cause oral complications including (but not limited to) mouth sores, dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and overall sensitivity. This makes it increasingly important for chemotherapy+radiation therapy patients to remain diligent about their visits to the dentist, hydration habits, oral care routine, and oral care products. Davids role in treating sensitive teeth Like other oral conditions, preventative care is the most effective route to treating tooth sensitivity. So, even if your teeth aren’t sensitive now (lucky you!) these general tips are still for you: Visit your dentist frequently (at least twice per year). Cancer treatment professionals suggest that chemotherapy+radiation patients see a dentist before, during, and after treatment phases. Brush your teeth+gums two to three times per day. Use soft bristle brushes and don’t brush too hard. Floss gently every day. Do your best to avoid grinding your teeth. If you do it in your sleep, consider a mouthguard. Do your best to stay hydrated. Avoid frequent encounters with very hot, spicy, acidic, and sugary foods. Avoid alcohol and tobacco products. To help further prevent plaque buildup, avoid harsh ingredients, and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth...Davids swoops in: As a natural toothpaste brand, we use mild, naturally-derived flavorings. Our peppermint oil can help with reducing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in your mouth...helping to protect your gums+enamel...while keeping a healthy balance of bacteria for your oral microbiome. Our natural flavoring ingredient, xylitol, works to slow the growth of the “bad” cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth...making it harder for them to survive. Davids always avoids artificial flavorings, chemicals, and harsh ingredients which can cause sensitivity. The high foaming action of traditional toothpastes has been known to trigger the exposed nerves for people with sensitive teeth...our mild foaming toothpastes help avoid this. The calcium carbonate in Davids is believed to “plug” those channels in your dentin that lead to the tooth’s nerve...further easing and protecting against pain+sensitivity. Our high-grade, micro-abrasive hydrated silica is smooth, creamy, and non-gritty (as opposed to the low-grade abrasives we see used in many other toothpastes on the market). This is ideal for people with sensitive teeth. As always, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to toothpaste. As much as we strive to be the best natural toothpaste out there...everyone’s mouth is different! And we love that. The only way to truly know if Davids works for your teeth (sensitive or not) is to try brushing with Davids yourself. a special announcement As a brand, it’s our mission to provide you with a mild, safe, and natural toothpaste option. Whether you have tooth sensitivity or just you wish to avoid it, we hope Davids can help you maintain a happy+healthy mouth. (We know we’ve mentioned this before, but the mouth is the window to your overall health!) On top of our mission to create the best natural toothpaste (that actually works), we want to do our part to help the mouths that need us the most. That’s why we’ll be donating our natural toothpaste to The Stay Beautiful Foundation, an organization that curates helpful information and care packages that promote natural self-care. Their boxes are dedicated to those currently undergoing cancer treatment and all women who have been directly+indirectly affected by cancer. No matter how big or small, we know that caring gestures like this...and brushing your teeth every day with a reliable, natural toothpaste...can go a long way. buy now.
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wondering how your oral microbiome impacts your overall health?
We know you’ve heard us say this before: Your mouth is the window to your overall health. Today, we’re finally diving into what we actually mean when we say that, and it all starts with one thing: the oral microbiome. what is the oral microbiome? The oral microbiome is the collective genetic material+microorganisms that live in the oral cavity, and the oral cavity is just a fancy word for the mouth. The oral microbiome is the second largest “microorganism city” in your body, right behind the gut. It’s home to over 700 different species of bacteria! The oral microbiome is also the entry point to your digestive system, so it’s crucial to maintaining your oral and overall health. For example: It protects the oral cavity from disease. It helps maintain the bacterial balance in your mouth. If disrupted, it can throw off the bacterial balance in your gut, too. It helps to regulate your digestion, fat storage, and metabolism. It helps to detoxify environmental chemicals that come in contact with your body. It keeps your immune system working efficiently. It’s no wonder scientists say that understanding the oral microbiome and its critical role in health+disease has allowed medical professionals to explore new, personalized treatment methods. It can also help you understand why something might be feeling “off” in your body. the oral microbiome’s relationship with the gut Gut health has become an increasingly popular topic these days, as people are beginning to realize it plays a huge role in overall health. It can influence your mood, weight, brain health, heart health, liver function, and more. While this is all true, mouth health (the oral microbiome) tends to take a backseat to gut health. But we’re here to change that….because the oral microbiome sets the stage for all of these things. Functional dentist, Dr. Steven Lin, says, “Your mouth is the gatekeeper of your gut.” The healthier your oral microbiome is, the healthier your gut, immune system, and entire body are too. Studies have found that bacteria from the oral microbiome can pass through the digestive system and disrupt the bacteria balance in the gut. Imbalances like this can lead to complications with brain health, heart health, immune system health, and more. In fact, medical professionals often find oral bacteria+viruses when investigating diseases like colon cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and more. This has allowed doctors+scientists to clearly link oral diseases to larger, systemic diseases. Now you know exactly what we mean when we say the mouth is the window to your overall health! how can you keep your oral microbiome healthy? Your diet is one of the biggest tools for keeping your oral microbiome (and the rest of your body) healthy. The food you eat is responsible for nurturing and balancing trillions of microorganisms in your mouth and beyond. Here are a few suggestions for choosing foods that are friendly to your oral microbiome: Avoid processed foods. They are full of preservatives and artificial additives. Reduce your simple carb+sugar intake. Look for probiotic foods like yogurt, tempeh, kombucha, pickles, and more. Make sure you get enough fiber through your veggie intake. Fiber feeds good bacteria. Seek out local+seasonal foods. These tend to be nutrient-dense. Check out our previous article about nutrition+dental health for more tips! In combination with a healthy diet, it’s important to practice strategic, holistic oral care. Unfortunately, many of us have been taught oral care routines that harm the vulnerable oral microbiome with harsh products. When choosing your oral care routine, it’s important to remember the following things. The goal is to balance the bacteria in your mouth, not totally wipe it out. The pH balance of your mouth should stay around 6.5-7, so the good bacteria can continue to flourish and transport nutrients. It’s always important to reduce plaque buildup, which can host unwanted bacteria and lead to oral complications. Because you want to keep that good bacteria, choose oral products that contain naturally-derived, probiotic ingredients. Of course, you’ll want to keep up with a regular oral care routine that includes flossing daily, brushing twice a day, and frequent visits to the dentist. how does Davids help? In relation to the advice mentioned above, brushing with Davids helps because our toothpastes contain naturally-derived ingredients (nothing artificial here!) that balance the bacteria and maintain a healthy pH blanace in your mouth. Specifically, we use xylitol and peppermint oil, two naturally-derived ingredients that slow the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth...without eliminating the good bacteria. Plus, our calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate both work to break down plaque and leave your mouth feeling fresh. We’re all about challenging the oral-care norms to ensure you have a toothpaste option that considers your holistic health. Our natural toothpaste always has your back...and the rest of your body too, of course! buy now.
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your mouth's special role in aiding digestion and taming inflammation
We recently introduced the oral microbiome and the close relationship between oral health and systemic disease. Now, we’re taking a deeper dive into the mouth’s role in aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. Because the mouth plays such a critical role in so many different areas of your overall health, we figured breaking up these topics into separate articles would be more...digestible. your mouth activates digestion The digestive process starts in the mouth. Right when a food or drink enters your mouth, your teeth+saliva get to work. Your teeth obviously play a huge role in chewing....breaking down food to make them easier to digest. And your saliva contains special enzymes that break down the nutrients in your food+drinks and make it easier for your body to absorb them. You’ve probably experienced this process starting before you even take a bite of food...when you see or smell delicious food and your mouth starts to water. It’s pretty cool that your body prepares for digestion even before the food hits your mouth! Of course, only for the really good foods. Eventually, the work from your teeth, saliva, tongue, and esophagus gets the food down to your stomach...where new enzymes take over and continue the digestive process in your gut. This is, quite literally, the mouth gut connection (aka the oral-gut axis) we’ve mentioned before. your mouth is closely linked to inflammation If something is “off” in your oral microbiome, this can greatly impact your gut microbiome and its ability to regulate digestion and defend the rest of your body against harm. A common example of this is inflammation. Inflammation happens when your body attempts to heal itself from a harmful intruder (like unwanted bacteria, viruses, toxins, etc.) or even an injury. When this happens, your body releases antibodies+proteins that wake up your immune system. Your immune system then sends “fighter” cells (T cells) and increases blood flow to the threatened area. This process can result in swelling, pain, irritation, discomfort, redness, fatigue, fever, and more....commonly known as inflammation. When intruders like bacteria+viruses disrupt your oral microbiome, this can also disrupt your gut microbiome, hindering digestion and potentially causing inflammation in various parts of your body. This is why so many people are researching and discussing diseases caused by poor dental hygiene these days. A good example of this is periodontitis (aka: the advanced stage of gum disease). When periodontitis forms, your gum begins to separate from your tooth, leaving a little pocket for viruses and bacteria to fester. This leads to painful gum inflammation and other common periodontitis symptoms like bleeding gums, painful chewing, and bad breath. Studies have shown that periodontitis activates T cells in your mouth that can migrate to your gut...disrupting the gut microbiome and causing more inflammation for the rest of your body. This can lead to more overall discomfort, weaken your immune system, and make your body more vulnerable to disease. The same studies confirm how dental health affects overall health and emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced oral microbiome. Studies have shown that a prebiotic+probiotic approach has the potential to promote digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health because of the close relationship between the mouth and gut. Davids can help As a natural toothpaste made with minimal, intentional ingredients, Davids can play a critical role in protecting your oral microbiome....and promoting your overall health. Davids toothpaste ingredients aim to balance the bacteria in your mouth...without completely wiping out the good bacteria (probiotics). While peppermint oil, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) work together to fight plaque and reduce bad bacteria, the xylitol in Davids toothpaste works to promote one's natural saliva production, promoting the regeneration of healthy bacteria which aids in rebalancing the oral microbiome. The daily routine of brushing with a thoughtfully formulated toothpaste like Davids helps clean your teeth and mouth by continually removing the harmful bacteria while promoting the healthy bacteria which helps nurture a happy oral-gut relationship. Pair it with a mouth-friendly diet, and you’re on your way to creating a strong oral-microbiome defense system. buy now.
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what is hydroxyapatite (n-HA)? get to know your mouth's new hero ingredient
Growing up, you’ve probably sat through a lecture or two about how important calcium is for strong bones and teeth. Your doctor or parents may have encouraged you to drink more milk, eat more yogurt, or take gummy vitamins. While these methods are questionable, one thing is certain... Calcium is still important for strong teeth and bones. The good news is....in the world of teeth, you don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) rely on milk to provide your teeth with calcium and keep them strong, which leads us to our next point. Everyone, meet hydroxyapatite, a calcium-based mineral that makes up 97% of your enamel, 80% of your dentin, and 70% of your bones. As a refresher, your enamel is your tooth’s outer protective shield. Over time, plaque (full of bacteria and other microorganisms) can wear down your enamel, causing tooth decay and cavities. When your enamel wears down too much, it can expose your tooth’s dentin, the layer right beneath. Your dentin contains microscopic “tubes” that lead to your tooth’s nerve center. If the dentin is exposed, you can experience pain and sensitivity since the nerve is left “exposed” to the food+drinks you consume. But don’t worry, consider hydroxyapatite your natural, effective enamel strengthener, protecting your teeth from harm in place of fluoride....and milk! the history of hydroxyapatite Hydroxyapatite has an interesting history, especially for any of you captivated by space travel. The lab-produced version of the mineral is called nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA), and it was first developed and used by NASA in 1970 since their astronauts were experiencing mineral loss in their teeth and bones in space. Lack of gravity can really take a toll on the body, but that’s an entirely different story. Anyways, this led NASA to investigate using hydroxyapatite as a repairing ingredient, and they found that it was effective in remineralizing the astronauts’ bones and teeth. In 1978, a Japanese company, Sangi Co. LTD, created the first commercial nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for the purpose of repairing tooth enamel. Since then, the ingredient and its role in the dental world, have gained a lot of popularity. These days, as more and more people are questioning the role of fluoride in toothpaste, hydroxyapatite is giving the dental superstar (fluoride) a run for its money. the benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste Because your enamel and dentin naturally consist of 80% hydroxyapatite, you probably guessed that hydroxyapatite toothpaste packs a bunch of benefits for your teeth...whether you’re an astronaut or not. For example, nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste: Is non-toxic and biocompatible (safe for your body’s tissue), so no Poison Control warning! Effectively whitens your teeth. Users of hydroxyapatite toothpaste have reported that it also makes their teeth look and feel smoother, stronger, and “glossier” than other toothpastes. Is an excellent source of calcium. Reduces plaque and fights bad bacteria. Remineralizes your enamel...without any known side effects. Protects against gum disease, dental caries, and tooth sensitivity. Because nearly 40% of people experience tooth sensitivity at some point, hydroxyapatite can offer significant relief for a lot of people. Tooth sensitivity occurs when plaque+bacteria wear down your enamel and cause your gums to recede. This exposes those “tubes” in your dentin that lead to your tooth’s nerve center. Due to its unique ability to bind to your tooth’s enamel, nano-hydroxyapatite physically plugs the exposed tubes and actively rebuilds your enamel, relieving sensitivity. Other sensitive toothpastes use ingredients like potassium nitrate, a numbing agent that acts as a bandaid solution. This chemical ingredient temporarily numbs sensitivity, while hydroxyapatite actually addresses and repairs the problem at the source....making it one of the best long-term solutions to sensitivity! hydroxyapatite vs. fluoride Because fluoride has dominated the dental industry for so long, most people start to wonder...hydroxyapatite or fluoride? That’s up for you to decide, but we can point out a few key differences. Hydroxyapatite exists naturally in your body. Fluoride does not. n-HA toothpaste has proven just as effective as fluoride in remineralizing enamel. n-HA toothpaste is a better source of calcium than fluoride. Fluoride strengthens your enamel by way of saliva, while hydroxyapatite has the unique ability to bond directly to your tooth’s surface to remineralize your enamel. Because your teeth recognize hydroxyapatite, they can absorb it down to the core. This is not the case for fluoride. Ingesting “too much” fluoride is associated with numerous toxic effects, while n-HA is non-toxic. It can be easy to ingest “too much” fluoride because of fluoridated drinking water. This is not a concern for hydroxyapatite since it’s not added to municipal drinking water. You might already know how the American Dental Association (ADA) feels about fluoride. In fact, the ADA will only give its Seal of Acceptance for toothpastes that contain fluoride, but with these benefits....the future of nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste (and your smile) looks bright. Buy Nano Hydroxyapatite Premium Toothpaste / Peppermint Now.
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does your toothpaste use quality, sustainably sourced ingredients?
We’re diving into the topic of sustainable sourcing...and the essential role of sustainably-sourced ingredients in the making of our premium naturally sourced and naturally derived toothpaste. To let you in on a little secret, sustainable sourcing is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It considers the social, ethical, and environmental impacts of sourcing from every angle. It also places a huge emphasis on long-lasting, beneficial relationships. We’re talking about supply chain relationships, but we definitely think these types of relationships are important in every area of life. Sustainable sourcing often gets mixed up with its popular friend: ethical sourcing. To differentiate between the two: ethical sourcing tends to focus more on the human side of things, so it’s only one component of sustainable sourcing. Because we think ethics should apply to humans and the planet, we value+support sustainable sourcing for every ingredient in every single tube of Davids Toothpaste. It’s one of the reasons we’re able to claim that our toothpaste is the best choice for a healthy mouth, healthy you. Here’s a deeper look at why…. what is sustainable sourcing? Sustainable sourcing has become extremely important across all industries...from toothpaste to food and product beyond+between. As many supply chain processes have expanded into developing countries, some wrongfully seek lower labor+production costs...at a much greater expense: the health of their workers, their local economies, and the environment. The ultimate goal of sustainable sourcing is to avoid these inhumane practices, build long-lasting relationships with suppliers, and continuously work to improve the collective social, ethical, and environmental impact of the product. At Davids, that’s exactly our mindset when we choose our ingredient suppliers. By using only sustainably sourced ingredients, we’re able to provide you with a premium toothpaste and peace of mind….knowing that your toothpaste upholds strict social, ethical, and environmental standards. On top of that, 98% of our ingredients are also sourced in the US, allowing us to sustain American jobs too. To paint a picture of the importance of sustainably-sourced ingredients, consider palm oil. You’ve probably noticed some heat around this ingredient recently...and for good reason. Palm oil is used across so many different industries….and has an impressively unsustainable history. The unsustainable growing+sourcing practices surrounding palm oil have resulted in: 2.5 metric tons of sewage per palm oil mill...which pollute the surrounding soil+water. Heavy air pollution through deforestation, smoke, and carbon dioxide. The destruction of over 20 million hectares of Indonesian rainforests (an area the size of Missouri). Poverty for thousands of Indonesians and rainforest communities. It’s a good thing more and more companies are focusing on sustainable sourcing….so much so that the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil was formed. Luckily, we’re seeing the same demand for sustainable sourcing for so many everyday ingredients. In the world of toothpaste, we’re doing our part to make sure that all of our ingredients are responsibly+sustainably sourced. Today, we’re taking a deeper dive into one of our specific ingredients: hydrated silica. Like palm oil, it’s a perfect example of how sustainable sourcing can make a huge difference in ingredient quality+impact, so let’s take a closer look. what is hydrated silica? Hydrated silica is a mineral that’s found on the Earth’s surface (again, Happy Earth Day!) and is used in many toothpastes to polish+remove surface stains. Many conventional toothpaste brands use low-quality, imported silica that *can* damage your enamel and the environment. However, we use the highest quality, ultra-fine hydrated silica sourced+made in the US. The microscopic particles in our hydrated silica are specifically designed to safely clean and polish the enamel on your teeth...and leave as little impact on the planet as possible! does hydrated silica damage tooth enamel? The short answer to this is: no, not by default. As an abrasive ingredient, it tends to get a lot of people wondering, “Is hydrated silica safe?” We’re here to set the record straight! Just because an ingredient is abrasive doesn’t mean it’s bad….abrasive ingredients actually play a critical role in breaking up and removing plaque+stains from your teeth. There are a lot of different factors that affect how abrasive your toothpaste may be, such as: The number of abrasive ingredients in it How all of these ingredients work together The quality of the ingredients Several studies show that the particle size of hydrated silica in toothpaste (aka the fineness of the ingredient) is directly related to the “harshness” of the ingredient and its “wear rate” on your enamel. However...on a surprising note, the amount of hydrated silica in your toothpaste is not linearly related to this wear rate. In other words, the phrase “quality over quantity” fits here. This is where quality, sustainable sourcing comes in. Knowing+trusting our domestic hydrated silica supplier...and the standards they uphold...allows us to rest easy knowing that the hydrated silica in Davids is very safe to use. We know first-hand that our suppliers honor our need for hydrated silica with ultra-fine, microscopic particles that effectively clean your enamel without harming it. You may have heard us talk about this before, but toothpastes are rated on a scale of Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA). According to the ADA, toothpastes below an RDA of 200 are considered safe for your enamel. Regardless of the flavor, all of our toothpastes have an RDA between 101-111, which means they're well within safety limits. So, the hydrated silica in Davids not only avoids enamel damage, but it helps remove plaque that could lead to cavities down the line. is hydrated silica bad for the environment? The environmental impact of silica depends on the specific methods used to mine the ingredient. Large-scale silica mining has sparked concerns about air and water pollution...since silica particles are often small enough to affect air and surface water quality near mining areas. Don’t worry, this is where sustainable sourcing comes in...again! An Environmental Impact Assessment of silica mining in Wisconsin reveals that these concerns can be resolved through sustainable sourcing practices. The study assesses all of the environmental+public health concerns regarding silica. It concludes that silica mines can use certain engineering practices to limit their environmental impact, protect public health, and allow for the responsible development of industrial silica mining….without the need for any legal bans. On top of that, the Environmental Working Group gives hydrated silica a score of 1, meaning it has the second-lowest hazard rating….right behind EWG verified (which Davids is!). buy now.
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cap classroom: dental care
It's not easy to find a toothpaste that is hyper-effective, better for you and the planet, and looks as good as Davids. Created by Eric (we know, it's called Davids!) when he realized that his oral care routine fell short of his commitment to buy USA made products that elevated his health and were in sync with his practice of conscious consumerism. A tall order for the oral care category, but luckily one he achieved. Today he shares why his toothpaste is the superior choice for optimal dental care as well as tips on what we can do for the healthiest mouth. Start by brushing after lunch. Because oral care is healthcare. What inspired you to create Davids Toothpaste? One evening I was looking at a tube of toothpaste, and was curious about the list of funny names included in the ingredient list, so started Google searching....it didn't take long to figure out that a lot of the ingredients were not great for you and controversial, so in that moment the idea of creating a better toothpaste was born. As I began diving deeper into studying the ingredients, it became a full blown obsession to personally formulate the highest quality natural toothpaste available, so I ended up spending 1000's of hours of research and development over a three year period before launching in 2015. Why was it so important to you to source your ingredients from the U.S? While I was doing the R&D on the formulation, I discovered, that so many of the ingredients being offered from the top distributors and manufacturers that supply ingredients to the toothpaste industry were from China, Malaysia, India, etc. because of the lower cost. In my previous life, I really made an effort to buy Made in USA items to support the US worker, and for the higher quality that typically came with these items, so applied this same ethos to sourcing our ingredients. And when you take the very best US ingredients, and mix them together, you actually end up with a premium product that stands out amongst the competition. Toothpaste seems to be one area where people are hesitant to switch over to naturals. Why do you think that is and what would you say to people who think natural toothpaste doesn’t work? We have had so many of our customers tell us that they've tried many of the natural toothpastes trying to find a healthier option, and have had a hard time finding one that seemed to work as well as the conventional toothpaste they had been using....until they tried Davids. It really comes down to the ultra premium ingredients used in Davids that allows our toothpaste to function at a higher level. In my opinion, Davids is really the first high performance natural toothpaste that actually outperforms many mainstream toothpastes. This is why so many people that try Davids toothpaste get hooked and come back for their 2nd, 3rd and 20th tube. What are your thoughts on fluoride? Fluoride is a strong chemical designed to do one main thing.....harden the enamel on your teeth. We all get some plaque that can build up on our teeth, and it's the bacteria in the plaque that works to eat though the enamel, and this is what causes cavities. Since plaque is what causes cavities, the number one thing you can do to prevent cavities is to stop plaque formation, and Davids is an antiplaque formulation. The premium mint oil we use not only gives fresh breath, but is also designed to kill the bacteria in your mouth that forms plaque. The baking soda also works to kill the bacteria that forms plaque. The xylitol is a natural sweetener, but also works to kill the bacteria that forms plaque, so a number of things work together to stop the plaque from forming. Davids also uses ultra fine micro abrasives to polish the surface stains for natural whitening, but these also work to remove the biofilm that forms plaque. A lot goes into making Davids an effective toothpaste without the use of fluoride. What about sulfates? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is one of the most common ingredients in conventional toothpaste. If you look on your shampoo bottle, most mainstream shampoo has SLS as the top ingredient...it's basically liquid soap....it's the ingredient used in toothpaste to make it foam up in your mouth. SLS is also the ingredient that creates the burning sensation when brushing with conventional toothpaste. The sulfates are harsh and for many people cause mouth sores to develop, so many people are forced to look for a Sulfate Free (SLS free) toothpaste to avoid these mouth sores. With Davids, we use a more natural alternative to SLS, which is derived from coconut oil. With Davids, there is a more mild foaming action, and you will not feel that same burning sensation. As a side note...You know that weird taste you get when drinking orange juice after brushing?....that's the sulfates interacting with the citric acid in the OJ. You don't get that when brushing with Davids. What is xylitol and why did you choose to include it in your products? Xylitol is a natural sweetener and it's included for two main reasons. Firstly it helps sweeten up the mint oil to create the sweeter (not overly sweet) mint flavor that consumers prefer, but most importantly, xylitol is included in our toothpaste to help kill the bacteria that forms plaque. Xylitol has also been shown to stimulate our natural saliva production, and our natural saliva helps remineralize the enamel on our teeth, so it is a critically important functional ingredient in our toothpaste. There are two primary types of xylitol... a lower grade made from beets, however, we use what's considered a more premium xylitol, which is made from the sap of birch trees....birch xylitol. Talk to us about your packaging and how sustainability ties into Davids? Over 1 billion plastic tubes end up in US landfills each year and we wanted to do better, which is what prompted us to look for alternatives. We landed on the recyclable metal tube for its sustainability and also for its chic aesthetic. Also, the paperboard packaging we use is FSC Certified, meaning the paper pulp is certified as coming from forests that are responsibly managed, so sustainability is a big part of our ethos. How important is mouthwash? Mouthwash is great to use to quickly refreshen your mouth, but not really needed if you have a good toothpaste that adequately cleans and freshens at the same time. What other advice do you have for optimal dental care? Many do not brush long enough, so really just make sure to follow the old rule of making sure to brush the full two minutes, and brush after every meal. In Japan the schools train children to brush their teeth, and there is a time during school where all the children stop to brush. We would be wise to break the US tradition of not brushing after lunch. With the new Davids travel size coming out, think of it as a portable Davids that you can now carry in your purse, and start a new habit of brushing after each meal. Anything else you would like to share? A lot of people ask why our toothpaste is named Davids, since my name is Eric.....my middle name is David and didn't like how Eric's toothpaste sounded, so went with my middle name, plus it's Davids vs. "Goliaths" of the toothpaste industry, so it works that way too! buy now.
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why sustainable packaging is more important than ever
These days, almost everything we touch is...or once was….packaged. Wherever you may be right now, take a look at the items around you. How many of them were once packaged? As consumers, it’s easy to buy a product...or even look at a product...without thinking twice about its packaging. But in recent years, that’s exactly what we’ve started to do. We (brands like Davids and consumers like you) have started to seriously think about the packaging we use and consume...and for good reason! We’re talking about all things sustainable packaging: Why is sustainable packaging more important than ever? What does Davids use as sustainable toothpaste packaging? Which online collectives offer household products in sustainable packaging? But above all, we’re discussing it from a hopeful perspective. As humans, we may have created the unsustainable-packaging-problem, but that means we’re more than capable of fixing it too! why is sustainable packaging important? We touched on this topic a bit in our last article (what is sustainability?)...the waste generated by consumerism has reached catastrophic levels. A massive portion of this waste comes from packaging...specifically plastic packaging. Because of plastic’s massive role in every industry these days, a lot of us can’t really imagine what life would look like without it completely. But when you think about it, plastic hasn’t been around very long...which is kinda scary to think about considering all the damage it’s already caused. So...when did plastic become popular? Here’s a brief timeline of plastic’s claim to fame: 1869: The first “successful” plastic (celluloid) was developed in the U.S. 1930s: The plastic industry started to gain traction, and plastic giants were fiercely competing to develop the best products. 1939-1945: During World War II, plastic served a huge role in military supply chains. During this time, plastic production in the U.S. tripled. 1950s: The domestication of plastic. With the help of creative marketing for products like Tupperware, plastics made their way into homes. Because plastic is cheap, durable, and easy-to-use...it naturally began to take over the consumer market. Eventually.....plastics began to pile up, the public began to demand plastic recycling, scientists began to investigate the toxicity+wastefulness of plastics, and environmentalists began to seriously worry. Alas, here we are: Globally, humans produce 380 million tons of plastic every year. It’s estimated that 50% of these annual plastics are single-use plastics. Roughly 91% of plastics are never recycled. Over 10 million tons of plastic make their way into our oceans every year. Because of plastic’s long lifespan, every single piece of plastic ever made still exists today. With the rise of online shopping, packaging has become even more of a sustainability concern. In a world where you can get anything from meal kits to toothpaste delivered to your doorstep, packaging has taken on an entirely new role. In 2020, it’s estimated that online sales grew a massive 44%, making sustainable packaging more critical than ever. As an environmentally friendly toothpaste brand, we want to make sure we’re doing our part to spread awareness about the need for sustainable packaging and practice what we preach. So, here are some of the ways we make use of innovative, sustainable packaging at Davids. Davids toothpaste sustainable packaging recyclable aluminum tube Our sustainable toothpaste tube is made from aluminum metal and lined with a food-grade, non-BPA liner is fully recyclable. This way, we get all the benefits of metal (over plastic) without any contact between the metal and your natural toothpaste. Why aluminum? Well, aluminum not only effectively maintains the freshness of your natural toothpaste... It also allows us to avoid contributing to the 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills every single year. Aluminum is one of the highest-value, easiest materials to recycle...while maintaining its quality and durability! On top of that: Aluminum can be recycled+reprocessed into new aluminum in just 60 days. Of all the aluminum produced in the U.S., nearly 75% of it is still being used today due to its recyclability. Recycled aluminum saves over 90% of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminum. On top of these encouraging facts about aluminum, using a metal toothpaste tube allows you to squeeze out as much of your natural toothpaste as possible. This brings us to our next point….don’t forget to clean out our aluminum tube before recycling it! We realize this requires a little work on your end, but trust us...we really appreciate it...and so does the planet. To recycle your Davids tube: Cut the tube (length-wise) with kitchen scissors. Open up the tube carefully (the aluminum edges can be sharp). Clean out the inside...we recommend using a toothbrush so you can use every last bit. Once the tube is clean, recycle it with the rest of your curbside recyclables. Thank you for helping us make sure that our aluminum remains in-use and make our toothpaste eco packaging first class! metal tube roller (tube key) Our tube key helps you to squeeze as much toothpaste as possible out of your Davids tube, so they come in every box. The keys are made of mild steel, so they are recyclable. But there’s actually no need to recycle them...here’s why: If you collect 20 tube keys and send them back to us, you’ll receive one free tube of Davids Natural Toothpaste. For more information on returning, please visit the Tube Key Return Program section of our FAQ page. The rollers can be used with any other metal tubes you may have...such as skincare+clean beauty products, ointments, and more. However, if you have no further use for the tube key, and you know you won’t be collecting 20 in the future...you can put it in your recycling bin. Like aluminum, mild steel is a very recycle-friendly material. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment actually states that the steel industry has been collecting data for steel products for 20+ years....to determine its environmental performance from production to end-of-life. The results show that it has enormous potential due to its recyclable nature, and it’s being noticed as an essential material for a circular economy. Note: you can opt-out of receiving a tube key with your Davids package by entering ***REMOVE TUBE KEYS*** on line 2 of your address field at checkout. recyclable plastic cap Our toothpaste cap is made from virgin-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which is recyclable. Okay...we know you must be wondering, “How could they use a plastic cap knowing all that bad stuff about plastic that they just mentioned above?” Valid question...but hear us out. HDPE plastic is actually a somewhat sustainable material...especially in the world of plastics. Remember how we said that every single piece of plastic ever made still exists on the planet today? We’re using that existing plastic to make ours...because it’s not just going to disappear. HDPE plastic is made from post-consumer materials. Because of its durability and recyclability, it’s one of the most versatile building materials on the market. Once you recycle it, it’s cleaned, separated, shredded down/melted, and reshaped. While we firmly believe in reducing the use of single-use and virgin plastics, we also believe in making use of the plastic waste that already exists....helping to lessen the problem, not add to it. Note: local recycling programs have their own preferences on recycling small plastic objects like caps, so be sure to ask yours whether caps are accepted before trying to recycle them. Note: you can opt-out of receiving plastic caps with your Davids package by entering ***REMOVE CAP*** on line 2 of your address field at checkout. You can opt-out of the tube key+cap together by entering ***REMOVE TUBE KEY/CAP***. FSC certified paperboard packaging At Davids, we use only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paperboard to package our toothpaste. The FSC certification ensures that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests that meet several criteria...promoting economic, social, and environmental benefits, such as: Forest management that conserves biological diversity Regenerative practices that ensure harvested trees are replaced/regenerated Close monitoring that continuously audits the conditions of the forest Honors and protects indigenous peoples’ rights Promotes the wellbeing of workers and communities involved You can read more about the FSC principles+criteria here. In short, FSC certified paper does not contribute to deforestation, and of course...it’s recyclable. other sustainable packaging trailblazers Zero Waste Cartel Zero Waste Cartel is all about making it fun to reduce your waste and environmental impact. Despite their name, they don’t expect everyone to be perfectly zero waste...instead, they encourage small, positive steps...and spreading the knowledge! They ship Davids in mailers made from 100% recycled cardboard with biodegradable packing peanuts. Package Free Shop Package Free Shop is on a mission to “make the world less trashy” and provide everyone access to natural, plastic-free products...in a more affordable+convenient way. They believe access to sustainable products+resources is a basic human right, and we couldn’t agree more! Read more about their plastic-free, carbon-neutral (and more) principles here. EarthHero EarthHero’s mission is to make sustainable shopping easy. Their shipping processes are always carbon neutral. Each product on their shop has a “Sustainability Features” section that highlights the details about the product from ingredients to packaging. commitment is key Lucky for us all, just as we allowed plastics to take over, we can help sustainable packaging take over too. At Davids, we’re committed to sustainability every step of the way when packaging toothpaste. We’re also committed to continuously exploring new techniques for things like sustainable packaging and beyond....and sharing what we learn with you all! With that, we hope to inspire you to learn about sustainable alternatives yourselves...and seek out products with sustainable packaging whenever possible. Together, we can work to rid our planet of plastics for good. buy now.
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