Davids blog
threads of relief: how hydroxyapatite floss can soothe your sensitivity
When dealing with sensitivity, it’s tempting to skip flossing (and brushing) those tender areas. It might seem counterintuitive to “rub” those super-sensitive teeth with your floss and toothbrush, but skipping over those parts can drastically worsen your sensitivity. If you maintain proper brushing habits but still experience a lot of sensitivity, it might be because you’re skipping flossing. Did you know brushing alone leaves about one-third of your tooth’s surface untouched? This allows bacteria to fester, plaque to build up, and sensitivity to take over in those tight crevices between your teeth. Don’t worry though, regular flossing with hydroxyapatite floss can soothe that pesky sensitivity. Let’s explore how! how flossing can soothe sensitivity Daily use of hydroxyapatite floss helps to remove plaque from your teeth, keeping your gums healthy and your sensitivity at bay. If you leave the plaque to linger, it can form into tartar: a hardened version of dental plaque that can lead to gum disease, enamel erosion, and severe sensitivity. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by dental hygienists using a scalar (that hard metal hook tool used to scrape your teeth at the dentist). When you make a habit of hydroxyapatite floss, you can break down plaque, prevent tartar buildup, and deliver a much-needed dose of minerals to those hard-to-reach parts of your enamel. The nanoparticles in the hydroxyapatite floss bind to your tooth, strengthening your enamel from the inside out to prevent damage and relieve sensitivity at the source. So next time you feel stubborn sensitivity, don’t toss the hydroxyapatite floss. one tooth hurts when I floss If one tooth hurts when you floss, there could be many explanations. We’ve outlined a few common ones below. improper technique: rough flossing (and brushing) can cause sensitivity instead of soothing it. Has your sensitivity only appeared after you added flossing into your routine? This could indicate improper technique (don’t worry, we’ll cover our favorite technique tips in the last section). irreversible sensitivity: sometimes sensitivity is “too far gone” for at-home brushing and flossing. For example, you might need a dental professional to remove tartar buildup. Maybe your gum has receded so far (from gum disease) that your tooth’s nerve passageways are exposed around the gumline. Maybe you’re just genetically predisposed to stubborn sensitivity. These things could require dental work to stop the pain. tooth decay: flossing that tooth can cause intense pain if tooth decay is already present. Tooth decay tends to start in those tight crevices between your teeth, so pain after flossing a certain tooth can unveil tooth decay you didn’t previously notice. If tooth decay is the problem, your dentist can give you a deep cleaning and a treatment plan. dental work: if one tooth hurts when you floss, be sure to ask yourself if you’ve had any dental work (recent or past) in that area. Pain in one spot could indicate a loose crown or a cracked filling. This is not a comprehensive list. If you have one (or more) sensitive spot that won’t go away no matter how much you brush and floss with hydroxyapatite, reach out to your dentist. lingering pain after flossing If you have lingering pain after flossing, many of the causes above also apply. However, the difference here is that the lingering pain exists throughout your entire mouth instead of in one spot. If that’s the case, you could be dealing with gum disease. When the pain lingers for days, try to notice any other symptoms. Are your gums bleeding after you floss (even though you’ve been flossing for a while? Do your gums appear red and inflamed? Do your gums appear “detached” from your tooth, leaving pockets where bacteria can build up? No matter what, lingering pain after flossing (especially if it lasts over a week) is enough cause to visit your dentist. how to relieve gum pain from flossing If you’re new to flossing, it’s common to experience gum discomfort and intermittent bleeding. To soothe these symptoms, here are a few at-home remedies. warm saltwater rinse: rinsing with saltwater can reduce plaque buildup, swelling, and inflammation. It can also increase your mouth’s pH, making it harder for bacteria to thrive. hot or cold compress: place a heating pad or an ice pack on the outside of your cheek to soothe the pain and reduce inflammation. smooth waxed floss: our hydroxyapatite floss is coated with vegan wax and cocoa butter for a gentle glide. This should help you avoid “jamming” the floss into your teeth and placing too much pressure on your gums. However, if the pain persists (especially if accompanied by swelling and a fever), visit your dentist. They can tell you if the pain results from gum disease, an infection, or another oral condition. our top tips for the best flossing experience For a soothing flossing experience, we’ve outlined the importance of the product you’re using… and how to floss properly. use our hydroxyapatite floss: as mentioned, this is crucial for delivering essential minerals to those tight crevices between your teeth. Our floss utilizes an innovative design to expand while you use it and cover more surface area of your tooth. pair it with hydroxyapatite toothpaste: hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be a game-changer for sensitivity. If you experience one or more sensitive spots throughout your day (especially when you brush or floss), add our hydroxyapatite toothpaste to your routine. You might just notice some relief within a few days of consistent brushing! follow a proper flossing technique: like grabbing 12 inches of floss and forming a U-shape around each tooth to scrub the surface. In this previous article, we outline how to floss the right way. This can help you avoid unnecessary gum pain and bleeding. Remember, floss plays an important role in your oral and overall health, working to fight plaque, gum disease, and sensitivity in the tightest parts of your mouth. Don’t gloss over the importance of floss! buy now.
Learn more
bite back: 10 natural remedies for your sensitive teeth
If you’re experiencing sensitivity, we fully understand the need for quick and effective solutions. From green tea to hydroxyapatite toothpaste, we’ve compiled a list of 10 simple natural remedies for sensitive teeth, so you can nip that “bite” in the bud as soon as possible. 10: saltwater rinse Saltwater has been a staple natural remedy since at least 1600 B.C. when ancient Greeks and Egyptians recorded salt-based treatments. Saltwater is known for its natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing plaque buildup, soothing pain and swelling (in the mouth and throat), and relieving tooth pain. It can do this by increasing your mouth's pH, making it less acidic and harder for bacteria and harmful pathogens to survive. Simply mix warm water with salt, swish it, and gargle it as you would with mouthwash, and you have a simple and affordable natural remedy for sensitive teeth. 9: green tea Like saltwater, green tea can act as a natural mouthwash, reducing bacteria to relieve sensitivity and inflammation. Green tea is known for its antioxidants (catechins), which have incredible bacteria-killing properties and nurture a less-acidic oral microbiome. This isn’t quite the case for green tea’s morning drink competitor: coffee! Coffee is quite acidic, which can lead to dry mouth, bad breath, enamel erosion, and more. On top of being a natural remedy for sensitive teeth, green tea serves many other amazing purposes. It’s said to improve brain function, bolster the immune system, aid in weight loss, reduce inflammation throughout the body, improve liver function (and overall body detoxification), protect good cholesterol, and more. 8: turmeric Turmeric has famous anti-inflammatory properties. It can help ease the symptoms of various oral care issues, including sensitivity, gingivitis, and overall discomfort. It can work to reduce plaque, soothe redness and swelling, and even whiten teeth. Many people don’t realize that tooth sensitivity is not only a result of enamel erosion, it’s also caused by gum disease and separation. When your gums recede from your teeth or become inflamed, it can expose the tubules that lead to your tooth’s center nerve. Substances like turmeric can help with these gum-related issues and act as an effective sensitive teeth home remedy. 7: peppermint oil You can think of peppermint oil as a natural numbing agent. Instead of using synthetic drugs to numb your sensitivity, peppermint oil can deliver a gentle soothing effect. Research has revealed that, in the process, peppermint oil also has the power to kill bacteria and fight oral pathogens that might otherwise damage your gums, tissue, and enamel (worsening your sensitivity). Whether it’s chewing gum, a homemade rinse, or one of our natural toothpastes (formulated with premium peppermint oil), peppermint oil is a simple, effective, and accessible sensitive teeth home remedy. 6: clove oil Like peppermint oil, clove oil is amazing for temporary sensitivity (and oral pain) relief. Clove oil contains eugenol (also found in turmeric), which has natural antibacterial and numbing properties that can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, freshen breath, and break down plaque and bacteria. Clove oil also has antifungal properties to help prevent gum disease, cavities, and topical skin issues. Clove oil has been used in dentistry and as a natural remedy for sensitive teeth since the 1800s! 5: oil pulling with coconut oil Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes (it can take some practice to get up to that timeframe). In Ayurveda, this practice is used to heal cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body by eliminating toxins and promoting a healthy flora distribution in your oral microbiome and gut microbiome. By stimulating saliva production, reducing bad bacteria, and eliminating toxins, consistent oil pulling can help to provide tooth sensitivity relief and promote holistic oral health. Fun fact: our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste formulas contain coconut oil (more on that in option number 1 below). 4: custom night guards Do you wake up with sensitivity you didn’t have when you went to bed? This could indicate that your sensitivity is caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) while you sleep. Some common causes of nighttime bruxism include anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, use of certain medications (like SSRIs), TMJ, jaw misalignment, consuming too much caffeine, smoking, and drinking. While night guards aren’t a “root cause” solution to teeth grinding, they can provide short-term tooth sensitivity relief. We recommend asking your dentist about a custom night guard (you want it to fit your unique teeth) and exploring the root cause of your teeth grinding. 3: if you’re whitening, switch to hydroxyapatite and PAP Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide is a quick way to experience uncomfortable sensitivity. Conventional products like whitening toothpastes, gels, strips, mouthwashes, and more can contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. They’re effective at whitening but can also release harmful free radicals that can damage your enamel, gums, and tissues. The good news is that you can whiten without the pain using PAP+ whitening products. They’re formulated with hydroxyapatite and PAP, a gentler alternative to hydrogen peroxide that does not release free radicals. As the PAP works to lift stains and brighten your smile, the hydroxyapatite particles repair weakened, damaged enamel to reveal a stronger and whiter smile and act as a natural remedy for sensitive teeth. 2: a soft-bristle bamboo toothbrush Medium and hard-bristle toothbrushes can be harsh on your enamel, causing sensitivity after multiple uses. If you’ve noticed sensitivity after using one, we recommend switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush. Our bamboo toothbrush is crafted with soft, BPA-free bristles derived from plant (castor) oil. Many conventional toothbrushes use bristles derived from petroleum oil, which we don’t recommend for you or the planet. For a gentle brushing experience (and a simple sensitive teeth home remedy), grab a single or 3-pack of our soft bamboo toothbrush. The 100% bamboo handle is compostable, so you can avoid contributing to the 1 billion toothbrushes that enter landfills annually in the US. 1: Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste and floss You can think of nano-hydroxyapatite as your sensitivity superhero. It already exists in your enamel, so when you floss and brush with our hydroxyapatite products, the nanoparticles know exactly how to remineralize your enamel and reduce sensitivity. We now offer a hydroxyapatite-infused floss to help remineralize the tightest spots between your teeth. We also have two delicious flavors of hydroxyapatite toothpaste that appeal to every palate. If you’re a mint lover, try our original sensitive + whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste in our classic mint flavor. If you hate the “bite” of mint and prefer a fun fruity flavor, try our mouthwatering orange vanilla nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults! Whichever flavor you choose, consider it your go-to natural remedy for sensitive teeth. buy now.
Learn more
freshness that feels good: discover the benefits of our mild mint toothpaste
Are you someone who feels like toothpaste is just too minty? Does it make your mouth burn or leave you feeling like you just ate an ice cube? If you’ve never understood the hype behind strong mint flavoring, you’re not alone. Sensitive palates deserve to feel that fresh mint sensation without the intense “bite” of strong mint flavoring, and that’s exactly why we’ve been working on an effective mild mint toothpaste here at Davids. To celebrate the recent launch, we’re exploring why people might prefer mild toothpaste. But before we dive in, let’s start by answering the question: how did mint become the most dominant toothpaste flavor, anyway? why is mint the most popular toothpaste flavor? Mint in toothpaste traces back to nearly 2,000 years ago when ancient Egyptians crafted “toothpaste” with salt, pepper, mint, and dried flowers. While many different ancient cultures continued to make their own oral care products using mint (and other wildcrafted ingredients), toothpaste as we know it didn’t emerge until the late 1850s. But even these early “tooth crèmes” contained mint extracts. In the early 1900s, a toothpaste company called Pepsodent ran an ad campaign that claimed their formula removed the dangerous “film coating” that makes your teeth appear dull, discolored, and dirty. One key characteristic of Pepsodent was its minty flavor, and consumers admitted that the flavoring left their mouths feeling particularly refreshed and clean. This encouraged people to maintain a daily brushing habit, and Pepsodent went on to dominate the oral care market for three decades. Pepsodent is largely credited for associating the cool, minty sensation with a fresh, clean mouth. This association has endured for decades, which is why mint still dominates the toothpaste world to this day. why do some people prefer mild mint toothpaste? There are many reasons why someone might opt for mild mint toothpaste over regular, powerful mint flavoring. Do any of these resonate with you? strong mint can cause burning + tingling sensations: scientists have confirmed that menthol (a compound that exists naturally in peppermint oil) activates the same nerve-ending-receptor that senses cold. This tricks your brain into thinking that peppermint causes a cooling, tingling sensation. Many people find this uncomfortable! strong mint can trigger acid reflux: certain mint oils relax the muscle keeping your stomach acids from flowing back upstream. When this muscle gets too relaxed it can allow acid and bile to make its way back to your esophagus to cause symptoms like heartburn, stomach aches, and acid reflux. children’s palates are still developing: their taste buds are still evolving, so intense minty flavors can feel very overwhelming. Many kids will describe mint as “spicy” or “cold,” making them want to avoid it in their daily routines. It’s perfectly normal for this preference to extend into adulthood too! Also, it’s natural to crave variety in your routine. Since you’re brushing your teeth twice per day (or at least that’s the professional recommendation), you might as well jazz it up with different flavor profiles. With flavors like strawberry watermelon, orange vanilla, herbal citrus peppermint, and our NEW mild mint toothpaste, we have a range of flavors to choose from at Davids. Each flavor packs intentional ingredients to reveal your brightest, healthiest smile. the benefits of mild mint toothpaste If you’ve avoided strong mint flavoring in the past, mild mint toothpaste might be the perfect option for you to get that fresh feeling without unwanted tingling sensations. At Davids, we’ve spent time formulating the perfect mild mint toothpaste, so sensitive palates (adults + kids alike) can enjoy a more subtle (but still super fresh) mint feeling. Here are a few noteworthy benefits of our new mild toothpaste. gentle flavor profile: unlike intense mints that can overwhelm your senses, mild mint offers a refreshing, balanced flavor that’s perfect for those who prefer a subtler taste. It’s minty without the bite, making it an ideal choice for sensitive palates. effective oral care: don’t let the mildness fool you—our mild mint is packed with all the essential ingredients to keep your teeth and gums healthy. With every use, you’re helping to fight cavities, freshen your breath, and maintain optimal oral hygiene. perfect for the whole family: mild mint’s gentle formulation makes it a family-friendly choice. It's safe and enjoyable for everyone, from kids learning to brush properly to adults seeking a more refined flavor experience. When you and your kids share the same toothpaste flavor, it can create a fun bonding experience and make brushing more exciting! sustainable and natural: like all our products, mild mint is made with natural ingredients and packaged in environmentally responsible materials, so you can feel good about taking care of your oral health and the planet. All the incredible benefits of Davids without the bite...what’s not to love? how to use mild mint toothpaste for best results Here’s our go-to oral care routine for the ultimate fresh and clean feeling, using toothpaste that doesn’t burn. floss daily with our hydroxyapatite floss: our floss is coated in xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite to deliver bacteria-fighting, enamel-strengthening goodness to the tightest crevices in your mouth. Smile wide knowing every part of your mouth is as healthy as it can be! Pro tip: we recommend flossing before brushing, so you can brush away any lingering debris. brush with mild mint toothpaste twice a day: to scrub away plaque, tame bad bacteria, freshen your breath, and whiten your smile… naturally! pair it with our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste: this will give you enhanced remineralization and protection against cavities, improving sensitivity and promoting long-term oral health. Our new orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste has a deliciously sweet fruity flavor. tongue scrape to remove even more bad bacteria: after brushing with your mild mint toothpaste (and the amazing ingredients are still on your tongue) scrape using our professional stainless steel tongue scraper. This will remove even more bad bacteria from your mouth, as they love to linger on your tongue’s cushy surface. This holistic routine will nurture your long-term oral health and set a great example for your little ones too! ease into mint Have you been on the search for an effective gentle toothpaste? Our mild mint toothpaste might just be the perfect fit (for both kids + adults) to get an effective clean without unwanted tingling. buy now.
Learn more
the sensitivity solution: how hydroxyapatite can help teeth prone to pain
Do you feel like your teeth are just more sensitive than others? That you’re doomed to deal with uncomfortable sensitivity for the rest of your life? Well, we’re here to give you something to smile about. Not only are we exploring the reasons you might be predisposed to sensitivity, but we’re also reminding you of a critical solution to your sensitivity: hydroxyapatite toothpaste. By addressing sensitivity at the source, nano hydroxyapatite is changing the game for sensitive mouths. No matter the cause (as you read on, you’ll discover there are many), hydroxyapatite is here to provide you with long-term enamel repair and tooth sensitivity relief. genetics’ role in tooth sensitivity Did you know that sensitive teeth can be genetic? Dental pain can range from a minor nuisance to severely debilitating, and genes can play a role in where you fall on this spectrum. Specific genes influence the development of nerve pathways, where pain signals travel from your tooth to your brain. These nerve pathways can differ from person to person, influencing how much tooth pain they feel throughout their day, when they brush, or even during dental procedures (which is why some might require more numbing than others). A common representation of this is redheads! Some research indicates that redheads might be more sensitive to pain, including tooth sensitivity. This is because red hair comes from a mutation to a receptor gene that’s connected to your pain response. Research also suggests that redheads might be less responsive to local anesthetics used in dentistry, and they’re twice as likely to avoid dental work due to bad experiences. Not to fear! If you suspect you’re genetically predisposed to sensitive teeth, just be sure to tell your dentist in advance to avoid bad experiences. You can also brush with hydroxyapatite toothpaste to nurture strong, healthy enamel and provide tooth sensitivity relief. hormonal changes and sensitive teeth Hormones can also play a large role in tooth/gum sensitivity. As an example, estrogen and progesterone increase during pregnancy, which can cause inflammation in your gums, increase blood flow and volume to your mouth, and affect how your body responds to the bacteria in your mouth. All of these factors can make your teeth and gums more sensitive. On the opposite end, decreased hormone production during menopause can lead to dry mouth, decreased bone density, thinning mouth tissue, and weakened enamel. All of these things can lead to uncomfortable tooth (and overall mouth) sensitivity. During times of hormonal changes (from puberty to pregnancy and beyond), it’s important to add our hydroxyapatite toothpaste into your oral care routine to nurture strong enamel, reduce sensitivity, and fight bad bacteria for a healthy mouth. daily habits that may cause sensitive teeth Alongside genetics and hormones, your daily habits can play a huge role in causing/relieving sensitivity. From your diet to how hard you press on your toothbrush, there are so many things that can impact the sensitivity of your teeth. Here are a few! poor oral care habits: plaque buildup and tartar (hardened plaque) are among the most common causes of sensitivity! If you’re not properly brushing and flossing with effective toothpaste (like our hydroxyapatite toothpaste), plaque can remain on your enamel and damage, causing sensitivity. aggressive brushing: brushing too hard, especially with a medium-to-hard bristle toothbrush can erode your enamel. This exposes the sensitive layers beneath and the tubules that lead to your tooth’s ultra-sensitive center nerve. Our bamboo toothbrush is made with high-performance soft bristles to reveal an effective clean without harmful pressure. Our hydroxyapatite toothpaste works to repair damaged enamel and relieve sensitivity by delivering essential fortifying minerals and nutrients that bind to your teeth for long-term benefits. teeth grinding: just like aggressive brushing, teeth grinding can also wear down your enamel over time. Because teeth grinding is often a subconscious habit that occurs during sleep, it can be harder to identify and address. Be sure to take note if you’re waking up with jaw pain, tension headaches, and increased sensitivity in the morning. To understand the causes of teeth grinding and how nano hydroxyapatite can help, check out our previous article here. eating acidic or sugary foods: did you grow up eating/drinking sugary substances? Do you love lemons, limes, coffee, or wine? Over time, these things can weaken your enamel, also exposing the pathways to your tooth’s center nerve. Without repairing that enamel with powerful minerals like nano hydroxyapatite, these foods and drinks can lead to long-term sensitivity. whitening with peroxides: using peroxide mouthwash or whitening strips, gels, and foams can cause sensitivity after a single use. This is because peroxides release damaging free radicals as they work, causing discomfort for your gums, enamels, and mouth tissue. If you’re experiencing sudden tooth sensitivity out of nowhere, it could result from a lingering dental issue (like a cracked tooth or cavity) or even sinus pressure. When you’re sick or experiencing allergies, the inflammation in your sinuses can increase the pressure on your teeth, resulting in sudden sensitivity. solve your sensitivity with Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste When you use our hydroxyapatite toothpaste daily, you can smile bright knowing you’re providing relief for your sensitive teeth by nurturing strong, healthy enamel. Unlike other sensitive toothpastes that use chemicals to numb your teeth and gums, our hydroxyapatite toothpaste delivers enamel repair and tooth sensitivity relief at the source. Because hydroxyapatite makes up the foundation of your enamel and dentin (the layer right below), the nano hydroxyapatite particles in our toothpaste can penetrate your enamel, bind to it, and fill any holes or imperfections that might expose your tooth’s center nerve. The result is a truly healthier, less sensitive smile. If you feel like you’re someone who has surrendered to having more sensitive teeth than everyone else, give our hydroxyapatite toothpaste a try! It might just be the thing you’ve been seeking to achieve that healthy, comfortable smile. buy now.
Learn more
is hydroxyapatite safe? why this superhero is the best choice for the whole family
Hydroxyapatite has become oral care’s newest hero ingredient, and for good reason. As it continues to gain popularity for adults and children alike, it’s natural to wonder.... is hydroxyapatite safe? With all the remineralizing power of fluoride (and none of the potential unwanted side effects), we assure you that hydroxyapatite is safe and effective. Grab your favorite flavor (mint or orange vanilla?) and get excited about a safe, out-of-this-world oral care routine for the whole family! what is hydroxyapatite? Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral mainly made up of phosphorus and calcium. It already exists in your body, forming the foundations of your bones and teeth. In fact, hydroxyapatite makes up about 65–70% of healthy bones and 95-97% of healthy enamel. When we talk about hydroxyapatite in the context of oral care, you’ll often hear us refer to it as nano-hydroxyapatite. The version of hydroxyapatite you’ll find in your toothpaste is biomimetic, meaning it mimics the makeup and function of the hydroxyapatite inside your body. Nano-hydroxyapatite is simply teeny tiny particles of regular hydroxyapatite. We infuse these tiny particles into our oral care products for effective enamel remineralization. The nano-particles effortlessly bind to your enamel, penetrating the surface to fill any holes, scratches, or other imperfections to reveal stronger teeth that are more protected against bacteria, plaque, gum disease, sensitivity, and tooth decay progression. Because hydroxyapatite already exists in your teeth, it’s an ideal ingredient when it comes to enamel remineralization. When it enters your oral microbiome, it feels at home, and it knows exactly what to do! So, what is hydroxyapatite? It’s an oral care superhero! is hydroxyapatite safe? Not only is hydroxyapatite effective, it’s extremely safe! Because it already exists in your body, there’s absolutely no risk of over-ingestion (this is not the case for fluoride, which we’ll cover in the next section). It’s biomimetic, biocompatible, and non-toxic, and if that sounds like a bunch of jargon, we understand. Let’s take a closer look at what these words mean. biomimetic: as mentioned above, this just means that the nano-hydroxyapatite in your toothpaste mimics the material naturally found in your teeth and bones. biocompatible: this means that hydroxyapatite will function without any unplanned side effects, and it will not cause any harm when it comes in contact with your body. non-toxic: similar to biocompatible, non-toxic means hydroxyapatite does not contain any harmful chemicals, and it will not pose any danger or unwanted symptoms. So, is hydroxyapatite safe? Absolutely, it’s safe for adults, pregnant women, and children who haven’t yet mastered the art of tooth brushing. Hydroxyapatite brings you 100% benefits and 0% harm. What’s not to love? hydroxyapatite vs fluoride Now, we’ve covered why hydroxyapatite is a safe choice for kids and adults, but how does that compare to the long-time oral care superstar: fluoride? First things first, let's peek at the history of these two ingredients. Fluoride gained popularity in 1945 when a city in Michigan began adding fluoride to its drinking water in an effort to reduce tooth decay...and it worked! Ever since then, it’s been the go-to ingredient for remineralization, and the main ticket for an ADA stamp of approval. A few decades later in 1970, NASA began to use hydroxyapatite as a supplement for their astronauts. After returning from low-gravity environments, hydroxyapatite supplementation helped astronauts successfully strengthen their teeth and bones. Shortly after that, hydroxyapatite found its way into commercial toothpaste. (And it’s remained the gold standard for oral care in Japan ever since.) Although fluoride has stolen the oral care spotlight in the US, recent research proves that it’s just as effective as (if not more effective than) fluoride at remineralizing your enamel. This 2019 study compared hydroxyapatite toothpaste with two fluoride toothpastes, concluding that hydroxyapatite is a safe, effective substitute. This 2019 study concluded hydroxyapatite oral care products might be safer for kids prone to dental caries. This 2020 study reveals that hydroxyapatite remineralizes dental caries as effectively as fluoride. This 2022 study confirms that hydroxyapatite products are a safe alternative to fluoride for young children at risk of fluorosis (which we’ll discuss in a moment). And that’s just a few of the many studies! When it comes to hydroxyapatite vs fluoride, the main difference is that fluoride is not considered biocompatible, meaning it can be toxic and harmful when ingested in large amounts. When you ingest too much fluoride through water, food, and oral care products, it can lead to fluorosis. what is fluorosis? Dental fluorosis is an unwanted side effect that occurs when you consume too much fluoride, causing white and/or brown speckles to form on your teeth. It typically occurs when children over-consume fluoride in their early years when their permanent teeth are still developing. While the condition is not harmful to your overall health, it’s certainly not desirable. Beyond dental fluorosis, ongoing research suggests that serious fluoride toxicity can cause long-term harm, and the thought of that alone is enough for us to turn to hydroxyapatite instead. With hydroxyapatite, you don’t have to worry about fluoride toxicity for you or your little ones! Your kids are free to accidentally swallow hydroxyapatite without worry, and we think that peace of mind is well worth challenging the oral care norms. best hydroxyapatite toothpaste At Davids, we have two delicious, effective hydroxyapatite toothpaste options for the whole family. For mint lovers, our original sensitive+whitening nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste is the perfect option. It’s formulated with premium mint oils for the perfect invigorating flavor and all of the effective remineralization powers of our nano-hydroxyapatite particles. In fact, our third-party lab testing showed it outperformed leading sensitive toothpastes, remineralizing and repairing enamel to reduce sensitivity more effectively than Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Toms Sensitive. Our NEW orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults is perfect for those looking for a juicy, mouthwatering alternative to mint. It’s made with the same nano-hydroxyapatite particles (and other effective ingredients) as the option above, we just replaced our premium mint oils with naturally sourced fruit flavors. So whether you’re craving cool mint or fruity orange vanilla, get the whole family brushing with these deliciously effective hydroxyapatite toothpaste options. And feel peace of mind knowing each formula nurtures strong, healthy teeth in the safest way. buy now.
Learn more
why kids love fruity toothpaste and how our formulas nurture healthy, sweet smiles
It’s no secret that kids can be finicky with flavors. If you have a picky eater or a little one who hates brushing their teeth, you’ve experienced this first hand. When it comes to toothpaste, it turns out that flavor isn’t just a preference, it has a psychological component too! Kids not only prefer fruity toothpaste over a minty (or as they might say, “spicy”) flavor, but these mild juicy flavors actually serve as a source of comfort for them. At a time when you’re building healthy oral care foundations, this comfort is essential. Adults, can you relate? If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative to mint, our fruity toothpaste is perfect for grown-ups too. In two mouthwatering flavors made with naturally sourced and derived ingredients, our fruity toothpaste options are just as effective as they are delicious, making them a sweet and smart choice for the whole family. why kids prefer fruity toothpaste... and why it’s so important Children’s taste buds are very different from adults (they’ve had much less time to evolve), making them highly sensitive to bold flavors like bitterness, sourness, and mintiness. In the world of oral care, this sensitivity becomes extremely important. If you have children, you might already know that brushing can seem like such a chore to them, invoking questions like, “Why do I have to do this every day? What’s the point? Why, why, why?” When you’re already fighting an uphill battle with kids' oral care, it’s natural to want to keep friction as low as possible. That’s where delicious, fruity toothpaste comes in, as it won’t intimidate them or shock their taste buds. As we mentioned above, flavor isn’t just a preference for kids. It’s a matter of comfort. Mild, fruity, familiar flavors can help them feel at ease (and even excited), making them more likely to want to brush their teeth and build solid oral care foundations from a young age. In fact, a 2020 survey of 787 children revealed that 50% of them wanted their toothpaste to taste sweet while only 20% preferred minty. When asked about smell, 41% opted for fruity, 23% said sweet, and 18% chose minty. The response is clear: kids prefer fruity toothpaste, and we’re happy to offer two delicious adult and kid-friendly flavors at Davids. our strawberry watermelon flavored toothpaste Our very first fruity toothpaste is our premium kids + adults strawberry watermelon flavored toothpaste. It’s formulated with mouthwatering natural strawberry and watermelon flavors for sweetness, ultra-fine micro abrasives to scrub away plaque, baking soda and xylitol for fresh breath and a healthy pH, vegetable glycerin for ideal moisture, and other intentional ingredients for a healthy, happy mouth. As with any of our toothpaste options, this formula is free of artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, and sweeteners. The sweetness comes from the natural fruit flavors, coconut oil, birch-derived xylitol, and stevia leaf extract, so you can feel good giving your little ones a fruity toothpaste made with premium ingredients derived from nature. The coconut oil and xylitol actually play a larger role than just flavor. Coconut oil is shown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and a 2016 study found that it’s just as effective as chlorhexidine (a chemical antiseptic) in the reduction of S. mutans (a bacteria known to contribute to tooth decay). And a 2012 study found that xylitol can reduce different types of bad bacteria by 27-75% (depending on the species of bacteria), making it the perfect sweet ingredient for highly effective, fruity toothpaste! our creamy orange flavored toothpaste Our NEWEST orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste is another amazing fruity toothpaste option to add to your kids’ oral care lineup! This creamy orange flavored toothpaste is formulated with natural flavors (zero artificial flavors, preservatives, colors, and sweeteners) just like our strawberry watermelon flavored toothpaste. On top of incredible ingredients like coconut oil, natural flavors, and xylitol, this orange flavored toothpaste is formulated with hydroxyapatite, a hero ingredient for strong enamel! On that note, let’s brush up on some of the incredible benefits of kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste While fluoride has been an oral care superstar for decades, hydroxyapatite is stealing the spotlight...and rightfully so! Studies show that hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride at remineralizing and strengthening enamel (especially when you start using it young!), but doesn’t have any of the safety concerns that fluoride does. Fluoride can be harmful when ingested in large amounts (usually alongside fluoridated water), which is why you’ll find this concerning warning on the toothpaste tube: “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” Who wants a kid's toothpaste that you have to keep out of their reach? Our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe to swallow, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones getting a hold of it or ingesting too much while they’re getting used to brushing their teeth. Here are a couple of studies that show just how safe and effective kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is. This 2019 study concluded that hydroxyapatite oral care products may be a better option for kids at a high risk for dental caries since it effectively reduces caries without posing any safety issues. This 2022 study confirms that hydroxyapatite products can be considered as an effective alternative to fluoride for young children who are at a risk of fluorosis (white and brown speckles on teeth from high exposure to fluoride). Just as effective as fluoride with none of the concern? We’ll take it, and we hope you will too! Shop our strawberry watermelon flavored toothpaste and our orange vanilla kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste to help your little one build healthy oral care foundations from the start. These two fruity flavors are adult-friendly too, so you and your kids can bond over loving the same toothpaste! buy now.
Learn more
with an endless spool of possibilities, what makes Davids the best floss?
Floss, as we know it, has been around since 1815. That’s over 200 years! Over the centuries, it has remained a central part of oral care, evolving into its own industry full of flosses with different textures, weaves, base materials, coatings, flavors, and beyond. With so many options out there now, how do you know which one is the best floss? As a holistic oral care brand with a mission to bring you the most effective, innovative products, we can assure you that ours is the best floss. We spent a long time deciding every detail of its construction, from the thread count to the type of wax coating, so we’re extra proud to bring you a floss that nurtures your oral and overall health while respecting Mother Nature. Let’s dive into the details! first off, why bother with flossing? Brushing alone only cleans about 70% of your tooth’s surface, leaving 30% of bacteria buildup, plaque, and tartar untouched. That 30% consists of sneaky tight crevices that allow bacteria to thrive, release damaging acids, produce unpleasant smells, and harm your enamel. If you continue to avoid flossing, it might leave you wondering why bad breath and enamel issues persist no matter how diligent you are with your toothbrush. That said, not all flosses are created equal, and not all flossing techniques are effective! So let’s explore why ours is the best floss + tips to get the most out of your flossing routine. our hydroxyapatite floss nurtures strong enamel Unlike many conventional floss options out there, ours is a hydroxyapatite floss, meaning the vegan wax coating is infused with nano-hydroxyapatite particles to deliver essential minerals to those hard-to-reach parts of your teeth. The hydroxyapatite particles in the floss bind to the existing hydroxyapatite particles in your enamel to strengthen your enamel from every angle (especially when paired with our hydroxyapatite toothpaste). This helps to prevent tooth decay, soothe sensitivity, and nurture long-term oral health. Our hydroxyapatite floss is also infused with premium mint oils to help freshen your breath, fight bacteria, and improve your flossing experience. a smooth, strong, and sustainable design for the best floss Our floss is a multifilament polyester strand, meaning it’s woven with over 250 individual strands for maximum strength. The polyester source material comes from recycled water bottles, making it a more sustainable option than the virgin plastic fibers you might find in conventional floss. Although we’re not huge fans of plastic, it’s important to note that non-plastic floss alternatives simply do not function well, as they tend to shred between your teeth and get stuck. We wouldn’t want to leave you with more debris in your teeth than when you started! Our floss also has an expanding design, meaning the fibers can increase the surface area of the floss as you go to effectively grab more plaque and debris for a deeper clean. Our floss is also infused with cocoa butter, allowing it to gently glide between your teeth without hurting your gums. By using intricately woven recycled plastic fibers that expand + a smooth, mineral-infused coating, we’re able to bring you the best floss for your teeth while treading a little bit lighter on the planet. Not to mention, we’ve also designed a refillable floss container to further reduce our waste burden on Mother Nature. ours is a refillable floss We designed our refillable floss system to eliminate single-use plastic dispensers. If everyone in America flossed according to ADA recommendations, about 2.5 billion plastic floss dispensers would make their way to landfills every year. Now, we know not everyone flosses according to ADA recommendations, but as we mentioned in the first section of this article, they absolutely should. If we’re encouraging more people to floss for the sake of their oral and overall health, we want to be sure we’re doing it in a way that preserves the health of our planet too. By making refillable floss, we’re able to reduce plastic waste and save energy. Our floss refills come packaged in compostable wrappers made from renewable wood-pulp cellulose. You can put them in your compost to return to the soil, so they never have to see a landfill. All of our Davids products come packaged in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paperboard packaging, meaning these paper products come from forests that are intentionally grown for this purpose, and we do not contribute to unethical deforestation. add the best floss + techniques to your oral care lineup When it comes to flossing, quality and technique matter. We covered a few reasons why Davids is the best floss, so let’s brush up on proper flossing techniques too! Floss before you brush. If you’re doing it right, flossing dislodges debris and bacteria from your teeth, so you’ll want to brush after to make sure you get rid of them. Slooooooow down. This is one of the best ways to improve your flossing routine, and you can make it a little easier by practicing mindfulness as you floss instead of rushing through the motions. Use about a foot of floss at a time. This might sound like a lot of floss, but it’s important to be able to wrap it around your fingers and change the placement of the floss as you go. This way, you won’t be using the same dirty section of floss for every tooth. Make a U-shape around each tooth. Within each crevice, switch the direction of the U to get each surface. This U-shape will help our expanding floss do its job of scrubbing away pesky microorganisms. Gently slide up and down without pressing too hard. The best floss, like ours, is coated in smooth wax to ensure a gentle glide, but you can also use your fingers/technique to further protect your gums as you move up and down on the tooth’s surface. You can also “hug” the back of your tooth with the floss to make sure you’re getting every surface that brushing might miss! There you have it, the best tips to get the most out of the best floss! Be sure to stock up on floss refills, natural toothpaste, a tongue scraper, and a bamboo toothbrush, so you can always feel prepared to give your mouth the deepest clean possible. buy now.
Learn more
five ways to build healthy oral care habits early with kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste
We know that kids don’t always jump for joy when it’s time to brush their teeth, but we’re here to offer support, suggestions, and amazing products to make kids oral care feel easier! In celebration of our brand NEW orange + vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults, we’re sharing our top five ways to build healthy oral care habits early. We hope these tips inspire you to make your oral care routine a fun family affair, enjoying the delicious flavor and incredible long-term benefits of our newest addition. 1: introduce kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste early You’ve probably heard that fluoride is essential for kids oral care. This is because fluoride is proven to remineralize teeth and help prevent cavities, which is especially important for children developing healthy teeth (and proper oral care habits). At the same time, young children don’t have full control over swallowing, so they can swallow large amounts of toothpaste. This isn’t great because you’ll notice that fluoride toothpastes contain the message, “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” This is where kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste swoops in to provide effective remineralization without the worry. Recent scientific studies and reviews have shown that nano-hydroxyapatite can effectively remineralize enamel the same as (if not better than) fluoride, but it’s non-toxic. In other words, it offers the same benefits without the poison control warning…what could be better? When you introduce nano-hydroxyapatite at an early age, it can start working its remineralizing magic during those early formative years. 2: lead by example Check out our previous article, our top five tips for becoming your children's oral health role model. One new, effective way you can lead by example is by using our orange + vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults! When your little ones see that you’re using the same paste as them (twice daily for two minutes each time), they might be more inclined to do the same. You can also explain the following benefits of our adult + kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. juicy mouthwatering natural flavor: this one speaks for itself once you try it! nano-hydroxyapatite superpowers: this tasty orange + vanilla toothpaste contains special hydroxyapatite particles that grab onto your teeth and strengthen them from the inside out. They give your teeth a daily dose of essential minerals to form a “shield” against the bad guys (bacteria, acids, microorganisms, and plaque). safe + clean ingredients: you can tell your little ones that our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste avoids fluoride and SLS, two ingredients that are known to cause irritation and unwanted side effects in some cases. recyclable metal tube: as a family, you’re avoiding contributing to the 1+ billion plastic toothpaste tubes that end up in American landfills every year! 98% USA-origin ingredients: many toothpaste brands say that their toothpaste is made in the USA even when they source their ingredients from overseas. Our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste (and all of our toothpastes for that matter) contain 98% USA-origin ingredients, and these ingredients are always of premium quality. it’s a USDA-certified biobased product: this means that our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste avoids conventional petroleum-derived ingredients but performs as well (if not better) than its petroleum-containing counterparts. This makes our orange + vanilla toothpaste a better option for you, your little ones, and the planet! You know what they say, “Monkey see, monkey do.” The best way to lead by example is to stay on top of your own oral care routine! 3: make brushing fun Make brushing a fun family affair with these tips. try to sync your schedules: can you make brushing a group effort instead of just telling them it’s time to brush? add music and dancing: can you pick a new two-minute song each week for your brushing routine? make it a game or story: together, you can pretend that bacteria and plaque are bad guys coming to take over the town (aka the mouth), and your toothbrush and toothpaste (specifically those nano-hydroxyapatite particles) are superheroes working together to save the day. use matching toothbrushes: like our bamboo toothbrush which is easy to hold, gentle on your mouth, and good for the planet. We know it’s easier said than done, but finding the fun in brushing can make it seem like less of a chore and more of a bonding experience. 4: educate about proper technique and habits Let’s get crafty! When it comes to brushing, many kids have trouble retaining instructions that are simply told to them. This is why crafts and other visual cues can be so helpful. Here are a few fun, creative ways to educate your little ones about proper brushing techniques to get the most out of their kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. make a marshmallow diorama: in this article, you can see a photo of the finished product. Once you create the marshmallow mouth, you can show your little ones proper brushing and flossing techniques, covering the entire surface of each tooth. Show them the crevices between their teeth, so they can visualize how bacteria and plaque can build up in certain hard-to-reach places. use watercolors to show how cavities spread: draw some teeth on a piece of white paper, and have them use some watercolors on each tooth. As the colors bleed and take over the drawn tooth, explain that cavities can spread and worsen if not addressed. Explain how Davids orange + vanilla kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste can create a “shield” on the surface of the tooth to combat damage and stop cavities in their tracks. scrub “plaque” off a hard-boiled egg: this scrubbing experiment can show your kids just how important daily brushing is. It involves soaking hard-boiled eggs in different solutions to see how it affects the white outer surface. Have them make predictions about which liquids will have the worst effect on the egg. After soaking them overnight, have them use a toothbrush to scrub off the “damage,” and they’ll notice that some liquids (like soft drinks) are harder to scrub off than others. have them draw and shade their own mouth: take a photo of their mouth wide open and invite them to recreate their own mouth in a drawing. By drawing and shading their teeth, gums, and tongue, you can explain the function of each and how kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help protect each part of their mouth. make a scrapbook of healthy and unhealthy foods: cut out some mouth-friendly and unfriendly foods and separate them into those categories. Have them make a collage to remember which ones help create strong teeth and which ones can cause problems. Instead of just telling your little ones things that are good/bad for their teeth, these craft projects can give them a visual representation and help them retain the information in the long run. 5: reward and reinforce We like to reserve positive reinforcements for special occasions (so they don’t get too used to prizes), but maybe you can offer an extra trip to the park or a new light-up toothbrush when your little ones stay on top of their oral care routine. To reinforce healthy habits, we recommend stocking up on our NEW orange + vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults. buy now.
Learn more
three reasons to smile about kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste
Summer has officially arrived, and what better way to celebrate than with a brand new juicy + sweet flavor of Davids! We’re so excited to add a delicious orange vanilla hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids + adults to our lineup, and we can’t wait for you and your little ones to experience all of the incredible benefits of hydroxyapatite toothpaste. In honor of this exciting launch, we’re diving into three reasons to smile about kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste and what sets our new formula apart from the rest. With all the natural goodness of Davids in a kid-friendly flavor, this new product brings a safe, effective, and fun approach to long-term, holistic oral health....something you and your little ones can share for years to come! Now, let’s get into the good stuff. 1: eliminate the risk of swallowing toxic fluoride Parents, we understand. It takes time for your little ones to master their oral health routines, and throughout those uncomfortable learning years, you want to be absolutely sure their oral care products are safe. Those early years of brushing can involve a lot of accidental swallowing, so it’s only natural that you want their toothpaste to be safe to swallow. You’ve probably heard from conventional dentists and companies that fluoride is absolutely essential for your kids’ long-term oral health, but you can’t help but think it’s a little weird that this highly recommended ingredient comes with an alarming warning label. “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” This warning is off-putting, especially since accidents are the norm with kids. But unlike fluoride toothpaste, kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste has no need for a warning label. That’s because hydroxyapatite is safe to swallow! It’s non-toxic and biocompatible, meaning it will not cause harmful side effects. Fluoride, on the other hand, can cause adverse effects if ingested in large amounts (which can happen if you’re ingesting fluoride from other sources too, like fluoridated water). This doesn’t mean that fluoride is inherently harmful, it just means that it can be. When it comes to kids, the possibility of harm is enough for us to want to go in a different, safer direction. Kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste gives you the green light to let your little ones be a little more independent with their brushing. Since there’s no fluoride or risk of toxicity, you don’t have to closely monitor how much they’re using or accidentally swallowing. It’s a win for the whole family! 2: kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is effective Now, there’s no denying that fluoride has a track record of effectively remineralizing and protecting teeth. There’s a reason it's had the oral care spotlight for so long! So now the question becomes, “We know kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be safer than fluoride, but is it just as effective?” The short answer is yes. From what the research has revealed so far, hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride. Here’s a little glimpse into the research. This 2019 study confirms hydroxyapatite toothpaste is as equally effective as fluoride toothpaste. This 2020 study confirmed hydroxyapatite products reduced tooth decay, especially in children. This year-long 2021 clinical trial concludes that hydroxyapatite toothpaste can reduce enamel caries in children just as well as fluoride. It also confirmed that kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is safe to swallow. This is just the tip of the iceberg for research supporting the efficacy of hydroxyapatite. From what we’ve seen, it performs just as well as fluoride (if not better), and it’s safer. In our opinion, the choice is easy, and we choose kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste over fluoride. 3: we just launched our first hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids We’re so excited to add kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste to our lineup of premium natural oral care products, bringing you a safer alternative to fluoride, peace of mind, and healthy happy mouths for the whole family! Here are a few things that make our formula unique. mouthwatering orange vanilla flavor: we couldn’t call it kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste without a kid-friendly flavor! This creamy, sweet new taste can help get your little ones excited about brushing again! We intentionally formulated this flavor without mint oils to make it more enjoyable for kids (and a nice change of pace for you, too)! high-quality nano-hydroxyapatite particles: it’s a common misconception that the % of hydroxyapatite dictates how well the toothpaste will perform. The truth is, it’s more complicated than that, so we decided to do the hard work (complicated research) for you. We took the time to find the best type and grade of hydroxyapatite particle to bring you a hydroxyapatite toothpaste for kids that effectively binds to enamel, fills in holes and imperfections, and remineralizes teeth from the inside out. xylitol: just like our other toothpastes, the premium birch-derived xylitol in our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste is deliciously sweet and effective. Research shows that this tasty ingredient has the power to stimulate saliva flow to flush out debris and harmful microorganisms. It also has the power to starve the bad bacteria (by up to 75%) without disrupting the good bacteria in your mouth. The result is a fresh, healthy mouth and a balanced oral microbiome (which helps to nurture a healthy gut, brain, and body). gentle abrasives: like hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, and baking soda work to safely “exfoliate” bacteria, acids, and other harmful materials from the tooth’s surface, revealing clean, white enamel that’s primed for all of the remineralizing powers of our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. coconut oil: this naturally antibacterial ingredient is known to effectively decrease plaque formation (and the gingivitis that can follow). It also has a very smooth, refreshing taste that brightens up our kids hydroxyapatite toothpaste. Say hello to fresh breath, enamel health, and a full-mouth detox for your little ones (and you, too)! This special sweet flavor isn’t just for kiddos, it’s perfect if you’re looking to add a little sweetness to your minty oral care routine. So be sure to grab yourself a tube too! buy now.
Learn more