Davids blog
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 premium toothpaste 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 premium toothpaste now.
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the importance of nutrition for dental health
photo by Tyllie Barbosa the importance of nutrition for dental health Did you know that 50% of Americans show gum disease symptoms, and 90% of American adults have at least one cavity? The leading cause of people suffering in such a large number is the wrong lifestyle and lack of dental care. If you make some lifestyle changes, you can prevent oral diseases. One of those changes will be to start eating nutritious food. It is said that “we are what we eat”. It means our entire health depends mainly on what kind of food we consume. Still, a healthy and nutritious diet is only associated with weight and control of lifestyle diseases. Unfortunately, people don’t associate solid teeth and healthy eating. Limited knowledge is available on what to eat for strong, healthy teeth. We will throw some light on the subject of the relationship between strong gums, teeth, and healthy eating through this article. how does nutrition affect oral health? According to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, food and dental health are closely connected. In the below-mentioned points, we will explain the vast impact of nutrition on your teeth and gums. Tooth Loss It is the most common oral condition of all. A lack of nutrients in the diet can affect the tissues’ ability to resist any kind of infection, eventually resulting tooth loss. Cavities & Bacteria Good oral health and diet are closely connected. If you don’t watch out for what you eat, you risk developing cavities and bacteria in your mouth. You can suffer from bad breath, gingivitis, or tooth decay due to eating the wrong foodstuff, as mentioned above. Instead, eat food rich in calcium and phosphorus. Dental Caries Dental caries is the name of a slow and painful process of losing your teeth. Your tooth starts decaying due to cavities. And when the damage reaches beyond repair, the teeth are lost. Dental caries happen due to eating sugary food and hard food, which damages the enamel. Enamel Health You might be aware that enamel is the name of the outer layer of the teeth. It prevents your teeth from all kinds of bacteria and cavities. Therefore proper development of this layer is vital for dental health. You need to eat a lot of food rich in vitamin A, D, and protein to ensure you have healthy enamel. what to eat for strong healthy teeth? Following is the list of food you should eat regularly for healthy teeth and gums:- Drink Lots of water – It keeps you hydrated and avoid dry mouth. Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., which are rich in vitamin D and calcium. Lean protein like seafood, tofu, beans, etc. Fibrous fruits and vegetables. Apart from supplying necessary nutrients, they clean the surface of your teeth with their fibrous texture. Healthy nuts and seeds. what not to eat with a gum disease? Let us check out the kind of food we should avoid ensuring healthy teeth. Food rich in carbohydrates, carbonated drinks, sugary food, starchy food, hard and sticky food, coffee, and alcohol is the kind of stuff you should avoid or take in less quantity. Your teeth can even fall out because of the regular consumption of these kinds of food. If you are suffering from gum disease like periodontitis, following the food, you should avoid eating so that your condition doesn’t aggravate:- Acidic & citrus food like lemons Sugary stuff like ice cream and chocolates Hard foods such as ice and hard nuts Acidic drinks, for example, sports drinks conclusion Now that you know the connection between nutrition and oral health, we hope you will always choose the food that is good for teeth and gums. Also, it would be best if you avoid the harmful foodstuff. There are always healthy alternatives to the food that does not add value to your dental and overall health. author bio Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental communities with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities. buy premium toothpaste now.
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we took the shampoo out of your toothpaste
SLS free - we took the shampoo out of Davids. Davids toothpaste was formulated to be good for the environment and good for your body, so Davids toothpaste DOES NOT contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) like most other toothpaste. SLS is a chemical used to make toothpaste EXCESSIVELY foam in your mouth. It is the main chemical ingredient used for making hair shampoo... It what makes shampoo foam (check your shampoo label). For many people, it actually "burns" their mouth and causes mouth sores. Davids took the "shampoo" out of our toothpaste and uses a healthy alternative, Sodium Cocyl Glutamate (derived from coconut oil), that has a nice mild foaming action, which is better for your health and better for the environment! Yes, it is much more expensive to use this ingredient, but it is one of the things that makes Davids a Premium Natural Toothpaste. Follow this simple Tip: Always wet your toothbrush with water PRIOR to putting Davids toothpaste on your toothbrush to get maximum mild foaming action. By following this simple tip, you will get the right amount of foaming action, and will come to appreciate the benefits of using Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste! buy premium toothpaste now.
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live in harmony with your metal tube (and avoid cracks and leaks)
At Davids, we chose recyclable metal tubes to help reduce plastic waste and provide a better experience for you and the planet. Not to mention, the metal tube is sleek and adds a touch of refinement to your daily routine. But working with it requires a little different approach than what you might be used to. Think less is more and follow these simple steps to get the most out of your tube: step 1: pinch and flatten Start by gently pinching the tube flat from the folded seam end. Always squeeze from the very bottom to ensure you’re getting every last bit of toothpaste. This keeps the tube neat and maximizes its usage. step 2: press and smooth as you go As the tube empties, lay it flat on a surface. Gently press the empty part of the tube with your thumb and massage any remaining toothpaste toward the top. This step helps fully flatten the tube and makes sure nothing is left behind. step 3: handle with care A metal tube requires a different touch than plastic—never squeeze it like a plastic tube. Apply gentle pressure, starting lightly to flatten the tube and increase only as needed for a flat smooth finish. By following these steps, you’ll maximize your Davids toothpaste and experience the benefits of our eco-friendly metal packaging. Buy Premium Toothpaste Now.
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how to recycle your Davids tube
Each tube of Davids Premium Natural Toothpaste is made using 100% recyclable metal. When the tube is completely empty, you will want to effectively recycle your tube. See our step by step guide.
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what is clean beauty? its important role in a healthy self-care routine
what is clean beauty? its important role in a healthy self-care routine As a natural toothpaste brand, natural+clean self-care is a topic that’s close to our heart. We know we’ve mentioned this before, but your mouth is like a window to your holistic health...which is why it took nearly four years to carefully curate the ingredients in Davids Natural Toothpaste. But also know that self-care doesn’t stop at oral care. From skincare and haircare to makeup and beyond...clean beauty is a massive component part of clean self-care. We know it can be overwhelming to sift through all the options and determine which beauty products are actually as “clean” as they claim to be. So, we want to take some time to outline a few things: what it means to be a “clean” product, clean beauty collectives we love+trust (and pair well with Davids!), and the importance of a “progress over perfection” mindset when it comes to clean self-care. After all, your skin is your largest organ, and it works to protect you from bacteria, pollution, light radiation, temperature, and so much more...every single day. That’s exactly why we think it’s so important to strive to use clean beauty products...in tandem with clean toothpaste, of course! what makes a product “clean”? The word “clean” in the beauty and self-care industry has no official regulatory definition...which definitely makes things confusing! On a basic level, a product is “clean” as long as it does not contain ingredients that harm our bodies or the planet. It’s important to mention here that “clean” and “natural” are two separate things. Natural often means clean (take Davids as an example), but clean doesn’t often imply natural. We like to take our definition of “clean” a bit further than the basics. In our book, to be “clean”, a product must: contain safe ingredients for nature+you. What does this actually mean? It means that the product does not contain any proven or suspected toxic ingredients. (We’ll dive further into this later in the article.) undergo mindful creation+production. From ethically-sourced, safe ingredients to cruelty-free testing and ethical production...the way a product is made plays a huge role in determining if it’s “clean” or not. Mindful creation+production ensures safety+care for all humans, animals, and nature involved. At Davids, our ingredients are not only safe and ethically-sourced, but they’re also 98% USA origin ingredients...and derived from nature. promote transparency+progress. We believe that clean self-care brands should always promise transparency and progress (not perfection). This is something that really sets clean brands apart from conventional brands. You’ll find that clean brands (like us!) openly discuss our ingredients, processes, and goals for improvement. On top of that, we strive to promote the “progress over perfection” mindset for you, too! We never want you to feel overwhelmed by the transition from conventional to clean products. Rather, we hope to give you the tools+support you need to learn about...and strive towards...clean self-care, without feeling discouraged or frenzied. why is it important to seek out clean products? We mentioned above that clean products shouldn’t harm your body or the environment. So what are some of the ways conventional products can harm human bodies and the planet? The truth is, the United States regulates the conventional beauty and self-care industry very minimally. To give you an idea of what we mean by “minimally”, the US has only banned 11 cosmetic ingredients...while Canada has banned over 500, and the EU has banned over 1,300. To give you a sense of the potential harm of these ingredients, this goop interview of Gregg Renfrew, the founder of Beautycounter, explores toxic ingredients commonly found in conventional US beauty products. Some of these ingredients include suspected hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and common allergens. It’s also important to note that even if an ingredient is not “suspected” to be harmful, many of the ingredients in conventional beauty and self-care products simply haven’t been investigated enough to make claims about safety...yet they’re still used. We see the same pattern with the ingredients in conventional toothpastes. That’s why at Davids, we make sure to use ingredients sourced+derived from nature (we know the sources, too!)...and avoid questionable ingredients such as fluoride, SLS, and other synthetics. We’re happy (and always here) to recommend brands that share similar values, so you can feel like your entire self-care routine is clean. So, without further ado...here are a few value-driven beauty collectives that we love. clean beauty collectives we love These collectives have a very high standard for selecting beauty products, and we made sure to highlight what makes each of them unique. CAP Beauty is all about high vibrational beauty and lives by the philosophy, “Beauty is Wellness. Wellness is Beauty.” They believe (like us) that ingredients sourced+derived from plants+nature have the power to create positive change, inside and out. Credo Beauty only features brands that avoid the 2,700 ingredients on The Dirty List®. They’re extremely passionate about “thinking outside the bottle” and ensuring the highest standards in the beauty industry...yet never lose sight of the importance of fun (no overwhelm here!). Plus, 90% of the brands they feature are women-led! The Detox Market is a clean beauty safe haven. Romain Gillard started the company after learning about the harms of conventional self-care products from a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer. They offer very individualized help for your clean beauty journey...as it looks different for everyone! Beauty Heroes places a unique emphasis on quality craftsmanship...that handpicking and hand-blending small batches...is greatly undervalued. Through Project Blue Beauty, Beauty Heroes shines the spotlight on brands that actually leave the planet better than they found it, rather than just minimizing their impact. goop Clean Beauty Shop is an innovative, forward-thinking clean beauty collective...you’ll find everything from clean SPF moisturizers to high-tech LED light masks aimed at supercharging your complexion. goop has always been a place that welcomes hard conversations, provides a judgment-free zone, and sparks curiosity. As they like to say, “we go first so you don’t have to.” This is not a comprehensive list, but it provides plenty of product options to create (or continue) a well-rounded and clean self-care routine. progress over perfection We encourage you to think of clean products as an opportunity to transform your self-care routine...and practice mindfulness! Along with these amazing recommendations, the EWG Skin Deep database and mobile app make it easy to determine the safety of thousands of products. Remember, the goal isn’t to immediately overhaul your self-care routine but to make safe, gradual swaps for products that have your best interest (and the planet!) at heart. We encourage you to use your dollars to vote for the brands that really care. Together, we have the power to change the market...so that in the future, we won’t have to wonder whether or not our self-care products are safe. As always, Davids is here to provide you with natural, safe toothpaste you can trust. 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how to inspire mindfulness in your oral care routine.
how to inspire mindfulness in your oral care routine. Mindfulness...the simple state of complete awareness. It requires nothing except the willingness to fully exist in the moment: neither thinking about your past or future...nor avoiding your current thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is simply experiencing your present for exactly what it is...without judgment. On paper, it’s such a simple topic. But in a society that tends to celebrate goal-getting at all costs, it’s easy to rush through the motions of your day until your mind is spinning, your lungs are short of breath, and your last 12 hours are a complete blur. Mindfulness acts as a gentle reminder that now is just as important as the past or future. It helps you understand exactly what your mind and body crave at any moment. In other words... mindfulness is self-care. It has the power to ground you, refresh your mind, and allow you to simply be. Several studies indicate that mindfulness can also: Reduce repetitive thoughts Calm stress and anxiety Boost working memory Improve focus Decrease emotional reactivity Increase cognitive flexibility ...and more. The exciting news is, there are plenty of mindfulness practices out there that you can keep in your back pocket and use throughout the day, no matter how busy you are. The only requirement: be consciously present. We invite you to take a long deep breath, relax your shoulders and face, tune into your body and your surroundings, and explore these short mindfulness practices. You might be surprised by just how easy it is to work them into your everyday quiet moments...like brushing your teeth. practice micro self-care and self-compassion rituals. In his book One-Moment Meditation, philosopher Martin Boroson supports the idea that it only takes one minute to meditate, reduce stress, and rejuvenate your mind. For those of you who don’t have the time to unwind with a daily 1-hour yoga session...or even a 15-minute guided meditation...the idea that your mindful meditation can be completed in the time it takes to brush your teeth is nothing short of groundbreaking. So, what does it actually look like to practice micro-self care during your oral care routine? Let’s take a dive. listen to your body. Brushing your teeth is, by definition, a form of self-care. But it’s possible to take it so much further by simply slowing down and taking a moment to listen to your body as you brush. After all, your body carries unique wisdom that sometimes even your mind can’t explain. The next time you brush, consider taking a few deep breaths and completing a scan of each of your five senses: What do you feel? The bristles on your gums, the weight of your shoulders, or the temperature of the ground beneath your feet? What do you see? Your reflection in the mirror? (Give yourself grace, you probably just woke up.) Or can you take a moment to observe the weather outside? What do you hear? The bustle of traffic outside or the quiet sounds of nature? If not, take a moment to just absorb the subtle sounds of brushing. What do you taste? Davids spearmint, peppermint, charcoal, or herbal citrus? Take a moment to appreciate the natural origin of these carefully curated flavors. What do you smell? You might only smell the same things you’re tasting. Or perhaps you take a moment to recognize the familiar, comforting smell of your home. To take it another step further, think about why you’re grateful for each of these things. And as easy as that, you’ve grounded yourself in the present and found the beauty in an everyday habit. find your favorite breathing technique. Deep breathing sends oxygen to your brain, slows down your heart rate, and awakens the part of your nervous system that evokes relaxation (the parasympathetic nervous system). As you brush your teeth, take advantage of this time to practice deep breathing...and give your mind and body the relaxation they deserve. Your breathing technique can be as simple as an exaggerated breath: breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, and breathe out for 3 seconds. Repeat this as often as you’d like. You may even want to throw in your favorite comforting affirmations with each breath, such as: “I am calm. I am grounded. I am supported.” Another interesting breathwork exercise includes a traditional T’ai Chi technique: imagine that your spine is a string of pearls. Each inhale and exhale smoothly travels up and down the string of pearls...unique, individual pieces held together by your breath. Isn’t it amazing how directing your breath can transform your oral care routine into a mindful meditation? choose other intermittent rituals. On top of the fact that micro-self care rituals can be easily weaved into your daily habits, they can be revisited “on-demand” at any point throughout your day. Some specific examples include: Listening to a short guided meditation Completing a full-body stretch Reading a short poem Repeating a mantra Gratitude journaling Stepping outdoors and consciously observing nature These micro-practices have the ability to inspire self-acceptance, peace, and gratitude...and remind you that everything you need is already within you. They have the power to completely redirect your day. ensure your self-care rituals are actually mindful. Whatever self-care rituals you decide are best for you (both micro and macro), just be sure to remain truly mindful as you practice them. This might seem obvious, but have you ever rushed through the motions of a self-care routine...thinking about everything you need to do as soon as you’re done? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Just remember: mindful self-care involves being fully present, conscious, and immersed in your ritual, no matter how micro it may be. If you ever find yourself bored of your usual body scan or breathing technique during your mindful self-care routine, we challenge you to examine the products that surround you. What materials and ingredients do they contain? How might they affect your body? Does supporting that brand give you a sense of fulfillment and balance? How can you better seek out mindful products that align with your values? At Davids, it’s a conscious goal of ours to provide you with natural toothpaste that inspires mindfulness, minimalism, and holistic health...and reminds you to find the beauty in the quiet, seemingly-mundane moments. buy premium toothpaste now.
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is your toothpaste vegan?
is your toothpaste vegan? In a world where you have thousands of toothpaste options at your fingertips, Davids Toothpaste was...quite literally...made to stand out. While there are so many things that set Davids apart from the rest, we wanted to take a deeper dive into a topic that we feel is extremely important in the world of toothpaste...and the self-care industry as a whole. So, to celebrate the debut of our blog, we’re answering the seemingly simple question, “What makes us so proud to be a vegan toothpaste?” Don’t be fooled, the answer is both multi-layered and jaw-dropping. But at least we know if you already use Davids, that dropped jaw leaves behind a pleasant aroma of fresh, USA-grown mint. aren’t all toothpastes vegan? First things first...let’s examine what it means to be a vegan product. To be vegan, a product must: Not contain animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Certify that its processes are cruelty-free and do not include animal testing. You might be surprised to find out that a lot of toothpastes that have long dominated the market are not vegan. During the 4-year-long journey of creating Davids, our founder Eric David Buss realized that many people...even those who regularly attended vegan trade shows...were shocked by this. Most toothpastes contain glycerin, a thick liquid with moistening and flavor-enhancing qualities. Its gooey nature adds body to liquid products, preserves them by locking in moisture, and keeps them from sticking to their casing. Glycerin has been used in the personal care industry for decades in products like toothpaste, shower products, surface cleaners, soaps, and more. (Fun fact: glycerin is also known for its use in the soap opera industry. When applied to the eyes...which we don’t recommend...it acts as an instant tear-jerker, allowing actors to easily cry on-command.) But what a lot of people don’t realize...and a lot of companies like to sweep under the rug...is that the glycerin in toothpaste and other personal care products often comes from animal fats. As a good rule of thumb, if a product doesn’t outwardly claim to be vegan and simply lists “glycerin” in its ingredient list...sans “vegetable” or “plant-based”...it’s probably not vegan. It’s also important to note that even if a brand uses strictly plant-based ingredients, it’s possible that they still test on animals. Be sure to look out for the Leaping Bunny Logo, which is currently the only internationally recognized symbol certifying that no animal tests were used in the development of a product. At Davids, we’re committed to staying true to our definition of natural toothpaste which means we’ll always be 100% vegan, cruelty-free, using only naturally derived ingredients, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. To accomplish this, we use vegetable glycerin that’s naturally derived from soy plants and processed into a pure, food-grade ingredient. On top of this, we proudly sport the Leaping Bunny certification, source and derive all of our ingredients from nature, and use innovative, sustainable packaging. what are some amazing ingredients in our vegan toothpaste? Non-GMO Vegetable Glycerin Our non-gmo vegetable glycerin is made with vegetable oil derived from soy. The vegetable oils are processed until the glycerin splits from the fatty acids to form a food-grade, syrup-like liquid. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not glycerin is safe for your teeth...you’re not the only one, but we’re here to set the record straight. A glycerin-tainting rumor popped up in 1997, when chemist Dr. Gerard Judd wrote “Good Teeth from Birth to Death.” He claimed that glycerin coats your enamel and would require 20 rinses to get off...preventing your enamel from naturally rebuilding when it needs to. However there’s actually no scientific evidence to back up these claims, and they’ve since been refuted. Holistic dentist Dr. Gerry Curatola reaffirms that glycerin is water-soluble...it dissolves easily, has prebiotic qualities, and does not harm your enamel. Hydrated Silica On the topic of enamel...our high-quality, ultra-fine hydrated silica cleans and polishes your enamel while whitening and removing surface stains. Hydrated silica has had its fair run around the rumor mill too...since it’s considered an abrasive ingredient. Don’t worry, we don’t mind clearing things up here either. Firstly, abrasive ingredients are not inherently bad. They’re actually fundamental in removing surface stains and improving the efficiency of cleaning. Toothpastes are rated on a scale of Relative Dentin Abrasivity to assess their potential abrasive harm. Davids is rated as a low abrasive toothpaste...making it safe for everyday use. Low-quality imported silica with large abrasive particles run the risk of damaging your enamel. But at Davids...we use only the highest quality, USA-made hydrated silica. The ultra-fine, microscopic particles safely clean your enamel without damaging it. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is our naturally derived replacement for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a synthetic detergent and common irritant found in many legacy toothpastes. Our Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is comes from coconut. It gives our toothpaste a mild foaming action, allowing the rest of our naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients to spread throughout your mouth...while cleaning and whitening as you brush. Our Other Vegan Ingredients Read our full list of vegan, naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients...and our definition of natural...in our Natural Statement. what are some benefits of vegan toothpaste? It’s better for the environment. Animal agriculture makes up 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions...more than the emissions from all forms of transportation combined. One of the biggest ways to make a positive impact on the environment is to reduce your reliance on animal products and not-so-obvious animal byproducts. By using only plant-based glycerin in our toothpaste, we’re able to completely eliminate this industry from our products...and avoid contributing to that massive 18%. Using plant-based toothpaste may seem small compared to eating a plant-based diet, but consider how many oral care products we use every single day. These things add up! It’s also important to remember that as our toothpaste goes down the drain, it doesn’t just disappear...the pipe ends somewhere. The EPA considers personal care products “contaminants of emerging concern”, as they can end up back in our surface and groundwater. This allows the chemicals in mainstream toothpastes to pollute the environment and severely impact biodiversity. But because our ingredients are derived from nature...the particles potentially released back into the environment from Davids actually belong there. As an important sidenote, roughly 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes are tossed into landfills every single year...that’s ~50 per second! Davids comes in a recyclable metal tube (with a food-grade liner), and our plastic caps can be reused. Simply enter ***REMOVE CAP*** on the second line of your shipping address when ordering, and we’ll spare the plastic. We’re always brainstorming better ways to be an eco-friendly toothpaste. It advocates for animal lives. 500,000 animals suffer and die every year from animal testing in the cosmetic industry alone. 40 countries have already passed laws banning cosmetic testing on animals, but the USA still isn’t one of them. As a certified cruelty-free brand, you can rest easy knowing that your Davids purchase values and respects animal lives. Not only does the Leaping Bunny certification ensure that brands never test on animals, but it proactively advocates for animals...educating people on the topic, promoting new legislation, and working to develop safe alternative testing methods. When you seek out products that are Leaping Bunny certified like our cruelty-free toothpaste...other companies take note. By demanding these types of products, you can help to grow the list of 2,000+ companies committed to ending animal testing for good. It’s better for your entire body. When you think about it...your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. The things we consume...foods, drinks, medications, oral care products (unintentionally)...all enter through the mouth and play a massive role in our holistic health. A common pattern seen with mainstream toothpaste is...while some synthetic ingredients may help strengthen your enamel and clean your mouth...they do so at the risk of harming the rest of your body. As one example, all ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride...usually sodium fluoride to be exact...a synthetic, industrial form of the mineral. When too much fluoride is ingested (primarily from drinking water but amplified by products like toothpaste), it can have various toxic effects such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. While these are extreme cases, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to fluoride, we prefer avoiding the risk altogether. That’s why Davids is a fluoride-free toothpaste...and steers clear from all chemicals, synthetics, and artificial ingredients. You can rest easy knowing your Davids toothpaste isn’t harming the rest of your body. As an EWG toothpaste, Davids meets the strictest standards for health and transparency established by the Environmental Working Group. It promotes transparency. Because we only use natural ingredients, and we’re certified cruelty-free...we have nothing to hide. We’re proud of our ingredients. We love to talk about where they come from, how they’re sourced and derived, and the benefits they provide. We also prefer confronting critiques and clearing up any confusion about our ingredients. On top of that, we’re proud of our processes. We pride ourselves on the operations behind our manufacturing, the ethics behind our testing, and the way we contribute to the U.S. economy. Everything we do is for nature+america+you, and we always want that to show through. So if you ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. It cleans your mouth. Though, we hope this one is obvious. Brushing regularly with Davids kills bacteria, reduces plaque, freshens breath, and whitens your teeth. We’re able to accomplish this without chemicals and other artificial ingredients...so we’re kinda wondering why any toothpaste uses them. seek out safe swaps. If any of these facts about toothpaste come as a surprise to you, we recommend checking out your other household products...shampoo, conditioner, lotions, soaps, surface cleaners...to see if they contain animal-derived, synthetic ingredients. If they do, don’t worry...our friends at Grove Collaborative, Goop, and The Detox Market make it easy to find alternatives that are vegan, natural, and sustainable. At the end of the day, our goal is to help you make safe and sustainable product swaps...without all the overwhelm. We want to do our part to make the process both relaxing and liberating for you! Since you (hopefully) brush twice a day, and your mouth is the window to your soul...oops, we mean the rest of your body and holistic health...we think making a safe toothpaste swap is the perfect place to start. buy premium toothpaste now.
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