Davids blog
products you need to complete your holistic oral care routine
We always talk about the importances of a healthy, holistic oral care routine...one that not only cares for your mouth but promotes full-body health. While Davids Natural Toothpaste is a great place to start with this holistic routine, we realize that natural toothpaste can only take you so far. So we compiled a list of some of our favorite brands and products to help you create the optimal oral health toolkit. zero waste cartel bamboo toothbrush You probably already know how we feel about the fact that 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes end up in landfills every year in the U.S. alone. But if everyone in the U.S. followed recommendations to replace their toothbrush every 3-4 months (which....you definitely should), that would leave around 1 billion toothbrushes in U.S. landfills every year, too! Plus, if all of these toothbrushes are plastic, this would generate roughly 55 million pounds of plastic waste. Once in the landfill, these plastic toothbrushes don’t decompose, and their corresponding microplastics end up polluting rivers and oceans. That’s why it’s so important to seek biodegradable options...like the bamboo toothbrush from our friends at Zero Waste Cartel. By choosing this option, you’re not only helping to fight plastic pollution...you’ll also be planting a tree! Well, Zero Waste Cartel and its partner organization will be planting a tree in your honor. They have a goal to plant 30,000 trees in 2021, and you have the chance to help! cocofloss refillable vegan floss Similar to conventional toothpaste+toothbrushes, conventional floss contributes a great deal of plastic pollution. If everyone flossed according to ADA recommendations 2.5 billion plastic floss dispensers would end up in landfills every year in the U.S. The plastic just keeps adding up… Plus, many conventional flosses are coated in PFAS, synthetic chemicals that are known to have various harmful effects. Many of these traditional flosses also use animal-based wax coatings, so they’re also not vegan. If you’re thinking you could solve this problem by not flossing, we’re here to remind you that brushing your teeth only reaches 65% of your tooth’s surface, leaving tight crevices untouched...the perfect place for harmful bacteria to fester. On a lighter note....by switching to a non-toxic, vegan floss option like Cocofloss, you can still clean those tight spaces while avoiding harmful chemicals. Cocofloss itself is made of non-toxic, and thoughtfully-sourced ingredients...free of PFAS. It’s fortified with coconut oil...a natural, soothing, and antimicrobial ingredient. Plus, their floss refills allow you to reuse your floss dispenser, instead of throwing it in a landfill every time you’re done. banyan botanicals tongue cleaner Do you only use your toothbrush+toothpaste to clean your tongue? That’s a great start, but cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper is an amazing way to promote your oral+overall health. After all, your tongue is the first large organ to come in contact with the food+drinks you consume. Particles tend to linger on your tongue and can create a film that can host unwanted bacteria. These bacteria can throw off your oral microbiome, impact your gut health, cause bad breath, and prevent your taste buds from performing their best. A tongue scraper can help with all of these things...in ways that your toothbrush can’t! A few specific things we love about Banyan....they follow an Ayurvedic approach to self-care. For those who don’t know, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest medical practices. It is a holistic approach to physical and mental health that uses naturally-derived ingredients to promote a healthy lifestyle. According to dental Ayurveda, cleaning your tongue every morning is an essential part of a healthy oral care routine. Plus, Banyan’s tongue cleaner is made in the U.S. with premium quality stainless steel! dr.tungs oil pulling If you’ve never heard of oil pulling before, get ready to be impressed. We’ve mentioned before that most of us have been taught to use harsh products...like alcohol mouthwash...that completely wipe out the bacteria in your oral microbiome. Oil pulling is an amazing substitute that allows you to get rid of bad bacteria in your mouth...without harming the good ones. In the eyes of dental Ayurveda, it’s another essential part of a healthy oral care routine. DrTung’s Oil Pulling Concentrate is fortified with 24 herbs and botanicals. When mixed with other oils, the concentrate works to remove toxins, eliminate bad bacteria, prevent dry mouth, strengthen your teeth, and transport the health benefits of Ayurvedic herbs into your gums, mucous membranes...and consequently, the rest of your body. Now that’s holistic oral care. remedy rx breath freshener spray This SuperFood Breath Freshener by Remedy Rx is packed with natural, superfood ingredients that fight bad breath and keep you feeling fresh. Remedy uses xylitol...one of our own favorite, naturally-derived ingredients...to help eliminate bacteria, fight cavities, and freshen your breath. This spray is the perfect alternative to chewing gum as it eliminates the potential harmful effects of gum, such as cavities (if the gum contains sugar) and tight jaw muscles. davids natural toothpaste This one goes without saying, but we couldn’t leave without mentioning it. Davids (the best natural toothpaste) is the glue...oops, we mean paste...that holds this holistic oral care routine together. buy premium toothpaste now.
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what are the benefits of charcoal toothpaste, and is it safe for your teeth?
Charcoal made its claim to fame in the self-care industry in the last few years. From seeing people relaxing with charcoal face masks to smiling with dark charcoal toothpaste covering their teeth....charcoal has the ability to easily grab people’s attention. So you may have wondered before....what’s the hype? Is it effective? Is it safe for my teeth, or should we just stick to using charcoal for firing up the grill? Well, you probably already know that we wouldn’t offer charcoal toothpaste if it wasn’t both effective and safe, but it’s important to know that not all charcoal toothpastes are created equal! So let’s take a look at why Davids is the best charcoal toothpaste option out there. what is charcoal toothpaste? Charcoal toothpaste is toothpaste with activated charcoal, a form of carbon that’s heated to create “pores” that absorb harmful substances. It can be made from a number of organic substances including hardwood, moss, bamboo, coconut shells, olive pits, and more. Activated charcoal is famous in the medical world for its role in saving people from poison and overdosing...with its amazing ability to detoxify the body from chemicals. In the dental world, it’s known for its ability to effectively remove surface stains and freshen your breath. what are the benefits of charcoal toothpaste? The primary benefit of charcoal toothpaste is its ability to remove surface stains and whiten your teeth. Because of its porous nature, activated charcoal is highly absorbent. If you’ve ever opened up your Brita or Pur water filter, you’ve probably noticed the fine black particles that sometimes escape from the filter into your water. These black grains are charcoal, absorbing and filtering odors and impurities that pass through. In other words, it acts kinda like a “magnet” for odors, bacteria, viruses, surface stains, and other tiny particles in your mouth. So on top of removing surface stains from your enamel, other charcoal toothpaste benefits include absorbing odor in your mouth and leaving you with sparkling teeth and fresh breath. is charcoal toothpaste safe? The short answer is: not always. Unfortunately, some charcoal toothpastes can damage the enamel of your teeth, so it’s critical to choose your charcoal toothpaste carefully. First, you’ll want to make sure the toothpaste brand comments on the grade, particle size, and source of the charcoal they use. If your charcoal toothpaste feels gritty on your teeth, this is a sign of low-grade charcoal. You’ll want to stay away from that! Low-grade charcoal has a large particle size (aka, high abrasiveness), which can scratch or “wear down “ your enamel, kinda like sandpaper. While this will obviously rid your teeth of surface stains, it’ll damage your enamel...which we never want. In terms of the source of the charcoal...charcoal toothpastes made from hardwoods tend to be denser, and the higher density of the charcoal can make it more likely to scratch and harm your enamel. Also, you’ll notice that a lot of charcoal toothpaste products on the market are dark black. While this makes for a funny selfie, this often indicates that there’s too much charcoal in the product...another warning for your enamel. Remember, healthy teeth depends on strong enamel. This hard outer surface of your teeth is essential in protecting the sensitive nerves in your tooth’s center...protecting you from sensitivity and other complications that come with tooth decay (trust us, there are a lot). So is charcoal toothpaste safe? Absolutely not if it’s full of low-grade, high-density, and overall too much charcoal! That being said, charcoal toothpaste can be safe if formulated correctly, and you can rely on Davids Natural Toothpaste for that. what makes Davids the best charcoal toothpaste? To help you avoid that gritty feeling in your mouth, Davids uses high-grade charcoal that undergoes extensive grinding processes. This extra grinding further reduces the particle size, so that the resulting charcoal that goes into our toothpaste is a micro-abrasive. Instead of feeling gritty, our activated charcoal feels buttery and soft....like baby powder. Because of the ultra-fine particle size, our charcoal produces a unique and gentle polishing effect, so surface stains are lifted from your enamel without scratching or harming it in the process. Think of it like a gentle exfoliation for your teeth, rather than a rough sandpaper-scratch. Also, Davids charcoal toothpaste is dark gray instead of dark black. This is because we use less charcoal....an amount that’s safe for everyday toothpaste use. Of course, we expect you to be able to use your toothpaste every single day without worry, which is why we only use a safe amount of charcoal...more isn’t always better! The activated charcoal used in Davids is made from coconut shells, making it softer and safer than other toothpastes that use charcoal from sources like hardwood. Davids charcoal is USP-grade (pharmaceutical-grade) meaning it’s pure and safe for everyday use. As you can see, not all charcoal toothpastes are created equal. We’re proud that Davids is one of the safest options out there...through thoughtful sourcing, ultra-fine processing, and careful formulation, you can rest easy knowing Davids charcoal toothpaste is safe for everyday use... And will leave your teeth feeling shiny and fresh and your enamel feeling strong and fortified!
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has the chlorophyll craze left you with stained teeth? Davids can help
First things first, let’s reminisce about grade-school biology. Remember photosynthesis? Green plants are pretty awesome….they have the ability to make their own “food” through photosynthesis. The green pigment in the plants, chlorophyll, absorbs sunlight and stores it as energy. This energy, along with some carbon dioxide and water, helps the plants create glucose and absorb nutrients. Talk about self care! This process is both impressive and beneficial, so there’s no surprise that eating dark, leafy greens is so good for you. The problem is...not everyone loves eating greens all the time. That’s exactly why we, as humans, are always looking for new ways to consume concentrated sources of greens (green supplements), and liquid chlorophyll is one of the hottest ones on the market right now. With the rumored ability to boost your health with concentrated antioxidants, liquid chlorophyll (like many other things) has gone viral on TikTok. And while you might be wondering what in the world this has to do with Davids Natural Toothpaste, the answer is…. A lot, because it can stain your teeth green. liquid chlorophyll benefits Liquid chlorophyll contains vibrant green droplets of chlorophyllin, a water-soluble form of regular chlorophyll. Chlorophyllin is fortified with copper and sodium, minerals that make it easier for your body to absorb the good stuff. The idea is to put these droplets in a glass of water and drink it every day to soak up all the benefits of chlorophyll, some of which include: It has anti-inflammatory capabilities, allowing it to soothe and heal wounds (or other skin conditions) when ingested or applied directly to your skin. It has antioxidant abilities, protecting your cells against free radicals (molecules produced when your body is exposed to harmful things like UV rays and tobacco smoke). This can slow the signs of aging in your skin. It has antibacterial properties, giving it the potential to improve your skin health and fight disease. A lot of liquid chlorophyll’s fame on TikTok comes from its potential to treat acne. It can soothe digestion, constipation, and GI cramping. While it fights bad bacteria, chlorophyll can also promote the production of “good bacteria,” improving gut health and digestion. Scientists and consumers are investigating its potential to aid weight loss, too. It can act as an “internal” deodorant. Studies have shown that chlorophyll supplements can be effective in reducing body odor. It promotes the production of red blood cells. Chemically, chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that circulates oxygen in your body. (This can be helpful for people with hemoglobin deficiencies like anemia.) It’s been known to boost energy. Many users report increased energy levels after adding liquid chlorophyll to their daily routine. This could be a result of a combination of the benefits listed above. It’s important to note: there are very few studies (specifically human studies) that actually prove these liquid chlorophyll benefits. On top of that, drinking too much liquid chlorophyll can lead to conditions like diarrhea and photosensitivity, so most doctors agree that it’s better to get your dose of chlorophyll through a green, nutritious diet. On that note, we also recommend taking TikTok advice with a grain of salt and checking with your doctor before diving into new supplements. But at the end of the day, this chlorophyll water TikTok trend gets more people (specifically, teens and twenty-something-year-olds) borderline obsessed with hydration, greens, and gut health...and we’re on board with that! does chlorophyll stain teeth? Now that you know more about liquid chlorophyll and all its glory, you probably understand why so many TikTok users are rushing to buy it. As a result, there’s no shortage of documented experiences. You can find a lot of “I drank chlorophyll water for 7 days” reports, many of which include how bad it tastes, some slight improvements in energy and skin condition...and, of course, green-stained teeth. But don’t worry, green stains from liquid chlorophyll are “extrinsic” (surface) stains that can be easily removed with whitening toothpastes with mild abrasives. Lucky for you, we know the best natural toothpaste for the job. how can Davids help remove chlorophyll surface stains? If you decide you want to see the liquid chlorophyll benefits yourself, we recommend having some Davids Natural Toothpaste on deck. Davids is formulated with ingredients sourced and derived from nature...and aimed at safely+effectively fighting plaque, freshening your breath, removing surface stains, and whitening your teeth. To highlight a few of these ingredients: Calcium carbonate is a mild abrasive that helps to break up plaque, remove surface stains, and whiten and polish your teeth. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) neutralizes plaque-forming acids in your mouth. It also works to remove surface stains to further brighten your teeth. Hydrated silica is another mild abrasive that works to remove stains and whiten+polish your teeth. You can think of it as a gentle teeth exfoliator. At Davids, we use only the highest quality, USA-made hydrated silica with ultra-fine particles...designed to safely clean+polish your enamel...without damaging it. Together, these ingredients can fight the green stains that come from drinking liquid chlorophyll, so you can continue to see the benefits of this TikTok craze without harming your pearly whites. buy premium toothpaste now.
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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 premium toothpaste 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 premium toothpaste 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 premium toothpaste 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 premium toothpaste 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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