Davids blog

how to relieve jaw tension and protect your teeth with hydroxyapatite toothpaste

Take this moment to pause for a deep breath. Let your mind tune inward and scan your body. Are your shoulders tense? Are your stomach muscles tight? Is your jaw clenched? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re not alone! So many people subconsciously hold stress and tension in these muscles. Of course, as a passionate oral care brand, we’re focusing on the jaw, one of the most common spots to store stress in the body. Now, do you notice that your jaw is tense without your teeth even touching? Jaw tension is not the exact same thing as teeth grinding (bruxism). While the two might go hand in hand sometimes, it’s worth noting that you can go through your day with tense jaw muscles without ever grinding your teeth. If this is you, consider yourself (half) lucky! But if you do both, don’t worry. We’re going to cover how to relieve jaw tension and some ways to protect your teeth too...with help from hydroxyapatite toothpaste of course. causes of jaw clenching Stress and anxiety are the most infamous culprits when it comes to jaw clenching. You might even notice that you also clench your jaw when you’re concentrating really hard, even when you’re not stressed! Other emotions such as anger, overwhelm, and sadness can also contribute to your tight jaw. Other variables such as medications, alcohol consumption, smoking, caffeine consumption, nutrient deficiencies, illnesses, and dehydration can also show up as causes of jaw clenching in addition to emotional variables. The reality is: that jaw clenching is subconscious, so it’s often hard to pinpoint one single cause or eliminate that cause from your routine. One of the best things you can do is simply become more aware of your jaw tension, checking in with yourself and your body throughout the day to see if you’re holding tension and help you identify your various causes of jaw clenching. side effects of jaw clenching Much like teeth grinding, the side effects of jaw clenching can extend to other parts of your body. This is yet another example of how oral health can impact your overall health! Some of the side effects of jaw clenching include: discomfort opening your mouth: this is one of the most obvious side effects of jaw clenching. Your mouth might feel tight and sore when you try to open it wide, and you may even experience TMJ symptoms. tension headaches: have you noticed that when you relax your jaw, other muscles in your face and head relax too? This is because they’re all connected, which is why jaw clenching can cause headaches. changes in facial structure: typically, long-term jaw clenching can cause your jaw to look more pronounced/square ear aches and ringing: tension in your jaw muscles can lead to swelling and inflammation in surrounding areas such as your ears sinus pain and nasal congestion: same as above, this inflammation can also put pressure on your sinuses which can lead to pain and congestion interrupted sleep: the stress that causes your jaw clenching might be enough to disrupt your sleep, but people who tighten their jaw are more likely to experience other sleep issues such as snoring and sleep apnea too. If you’re grinding your teeth as you clench your jaw, this can extend the side effects of jaw clenching to oral health complications. Teeth grinding can lead to enamel wear, sensitivity, tooth fracture, broken fillings, and more. Your dentist can identify evidence of teeth grinding, so be sure to get your teeth checked if you suspect you’re a jaw clencher/teeth grinder. ​​how to relieve jaw tension Now that we’ve covered the causes and symptoms, let’s dive into the good stuff: how to relieve jaw tension. We’ve discussed how emotional stress plays a huge role in jaw clenching, so acknowledging and addressing this stress is an important part of the solution. We touched on the ways mindfulness can make you conscious of your (likely subconscious) jaw-clenching habits, so infusing micro-mindfulness rituals into your daily routine can provide a lot of relief. We also recommend dedicating part of your day to relaxation and emotional wellness, whether that’s going for a walk in nature, doing a guided meditation, or talking to a friend or therapist about your stress and anxiety. Mouth taping can also help with jaw tension and bruxism at night. You could be subconsciously clenching your jaw throughout the night to prevent your mouth from opening (and drooling). When you use mouth tape, it does that work for you! It keeps your mouth closed throughout the night (in a safe way), allowing you to effortlessly breathe through your nose to breathe deeper, filter allergens, relieve jaw tension, and more. Massage therapy can help you reduce tension in your jaw, face, head, neck, shoulders, and entire body. Massage therapy suggests that the jaw and hips are linked, and tension in the jaw can equate to tension in the pelvis and vice versa. Visiting a professional massage therapist can uncover other links like this, allowing you to address and release your jaw tension from multiple angles and areas of your body. hydroxyapatite toothpaste In addition to the methods listed above, it’s important to strengthen your teeth with hydroxyapatite toothpaste. As a jaw clencher, you’re more likely to be a teeth grinder...which we discussed can lead to a whole host of oral complications. You can think of hydroxyapatite toothpaste as your number one natural, daily defense against enamel wear. If jaw clenching and teeth grinding are gradually damaging your enamel, hydroxyapatite toothpaste can give your teeth a daily dose of remineralization, correcting scratches, holes, and imperfections in your enamel that could eventually lead to sensitivity, cracks, cavities, and fractures. The nanoparticles in our hydroxyapatite toothpaste have a unique way of penetrating your enamel and binding to the hydroxyapatite particles that already exist there. At Davids, we use a very high-quality type and grade of nano-hydroxyapatite, allowing our hydroxyapatite toothpaste to outperform various leading sensitive toothpaste. Check out our third-party lab test results for proof! There you have it, a Davids product you can depend on daily to nurture your teeth and ease discomfort, even as a long-time jaw clencher/teeth grinder. buy now.

shine bright this spring with natural teeth whitening that soothes your smile, too

Spring is right around the corner, and we want to help you shine as bright as the blossoming world around you! You know we share a deep love for nature, so of course, we prefer to take the natural teeth whitening approach. Natural teeth whitening allows us to avoid the harmful, questionable ingredients you’ll find in most conventional whitening products....while still delivering the same (if not better) bright white results! It does so by nurturing your teeth, gums, and entire oral microbiome, so you can say goodbye to sensitivity and discomfort in the process. how natural teeth whitening outperforms conventional products Unlike natural teeth whitening, conventional whitening products typically all have one thing in common: hydrogen peroxide. This oxidizing agent is famous for its fast, effective whitening powers, and there’s no denying the results. But at Davids, we’re constantly questioning the norm, searching for the best oral care solutions, and prioritizing holistic health along the way. So, yes, hydrogen peroxide works for whitening, but is it the best solution? Well, if it comes at the expense of your oral health (or daily comfort), we think the answer is no. How does hydrogen peroxide sacrifice your oral health/comfort, exactly? it can damage your enamel and tissue: research reveals that hydrogen peroxide can cause “dental sensitivity, cytotoxicity [cell damage], genotoxicity [DNA damage], pulp damage, and gingival irritations, amongst others.” This is because it can wear down your enamel and cause inflammation within your soft tissue as well as the inner layers of your teeth. (This is not the case with natural teeth whitening, which we’ll discuss in a bit.) it releases harmful free radicals: hydrogen peroxide causes the damage listed above because it releases free radicals (harmful, unstable atoms) as it works. These atoms are known to cause oxidative stress in your body (through the damage outlined in the previous bullet) which is actually linked to other health complications down the line. it often results in stinging, sensitivity, and overall irritation: the damage outlined above might show up as painful sensitivity, stinging, itching, and sores inside your oral microbiome. Is hydrogen peroxide whitening worth it? This is why over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide products are either banned or heavily restricted in regions such as the EU, Japan, and Canada. While they’re still widely available in the US, they are not regulated. So it’s important to do your own research to determine if using hydrogen peroxide products is worth it for you. Personally, we strongly prefer natural teeth whitening! natural teeth whitening remedies Just like peroxide-based whitening methods, there are so many different natural teeth whitening remedies out there. From daily toothpastes and mouth rinses to PAP teeth whitening gels and strips, you have so many options in the (safer) world of natural teeth whitening. our premium toothpaste All of our toothpastes are the perfect entry point into the natural teeth whitening world! They’re formulated to nurture a white smile that feels as good as it looks. Our premium micro-abrasives and baking soda gently “exfoliate” your teeth to remove plaque and surface stains, while neutralizing your mouth’s pH for fresh breath. Our sodium cocoyl glutamate is our natural alternative to the chemical foaming agent, SLS. It’s derived from coconut material, and it gives our premium toothpaste a gentle foam, distributing the other ingredients to help with the cleaning and whitening process. To sum things up, you can smile wide knowing every single one of our toothpastes works to give you a safe, nourishing daily dose of natural teeth whitening. pap teeth whitening PAP teeth whitening is stealing the spotlight these days, and for good reason! PAP is a synthetic organic acid that promotes bleaching in a milder manner than peroxides, so it doesn’t cause any of the harsh side effects! It doesn’t release any free radicals as it works, so it doesn’t cause as much (if any) inflammation in your mouth and body. (Note: stay tuned for exciting PAP product announcements from us this year!) There are so many different forms of PAP teeth whitening. You can find it in gels, strips, toothpaste, mouthwash....you name it! One of the coolest things about PAP teeth whitening is that it comes in a “PAP+” option that incorporates hydroxyapatite, your sensitivity superhero! Let’s explore this incredible ingredient a little more, and how you can add hydroxyapatite whitening into your daily routine. hydroxyapatite whitening We know, hydroxyapatite is a mouthful, and it begins with “hydro” just like hydrogen peroxide. It can get a little confusing over here in the oral care world. But we’re here to clear up the confusion and reassure you that hydroxyapatite is one of the best whitening ingredients you can add to your daily routine. (Actually, it’s one of the best oral care ingredients in general.) It’s a natural alternative to fluoride that works to remineralize your teeth from the inside out, repairing any damage done to your enamel. That’s right, it can actually reverse the damage that hydrogen peroxide causes! And it can do so while still whitening your teeth. This is because hydroxyapatite already exists in your teeth and bones, making up roughly 97% of your enamel and 80% of your dentin. That’s even more proof that hydroxyapatite is non-toxic and safe for your body, unlike many of the conventional ingredients out there. When you add hydroxyapatite whitening into your daily routine, you give your mouth a healthy dose of the minerals it needs (kinda like a super-vitamin). On top of this, research shows that hydroxyapatite can also whiten as it remineralizes. Not only that, but hydroxyapatite whitening has long-lasting effects. It actually helps your teeth form a new, healthy white layer on your tooth’s surface by filling in tiny holes and imperfections. The result is a bright white smile that’s way less sensitive, too! Hydroxyapatite whitening comes in many forms too, from toothpaste to mouthwash. We’ve got the best hydroxyapatite toothpaste out there, as it outperformed several leading sensitive toothpaste brands in our third-party lab tests. Not to mention, we’re working hard to create even more out-of-this-world hydroxyapatite whitening products for you! make Davids your go-to for natural teeth whitening With our classic formulas, our hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and so many more natural teeth whitening products on the way, make Davids your go-to for all things whitening. buy now.

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sweet news for holistic health: the benefits of xylitol extend beyond your teeth

Ah, here we are....another sugar substitute that’s hard to pronounce. But we’re here to assure you not to fear xylitol, as it has successfully weaved its way into the oral care world for good reason! Not only is it scientifically confirmed to prevent (and sometimes even reverse) cavities, reduce dry mouth, and freshen your breath. But it's also known to reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and nurture healthy metabolic function throughout your entire body! To celebrate this, we’re diving into the many benefits of xylitol. Whether it’s in your daily oral care products or your favorite nut butter, this plant-derived ingredient may work wonders for your oral and overall health. That’s why you’ll find it in all of our premium toothpaste formulas. It’s also infused in our expanding dental floss and our (soon-to-launch) natural mouthwash. quick refresh: what is xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in various fruits and vegetables. When it comes to commercial products like toothpaste, xylitol is usually derived from corn cobs or birch trees. At Davids, we source our xylitol from birch trees, which is considered the best way for both you and the planet! With so many mixed messages out there, it’s perfectly normal to wonder, “Is xylitol safe?” The answer is yes! Otherwise, we wouldn’t have it in our toothpaste. Science shows that long-term consumption of xylitol is safe, so you never have to worry about it in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or other oral care products. (As a side note, xylitol is not safe for dogs, so be sure to keep your toothpaste out of reach and double-check to make sure your pup’s peanut butter jar doesn’t list xylitol as an ingredient!) Now, let's dive into how this plant-derived sweetener found its way into your premium toothpaste. Xylitol has an impressive history of stimulating saliva flow, killing bad bacteria, and providing a taste that’s sweeter than sugar. The benefits of xylitol align perfectly with a high-performing oral care product, which is exactly why we use it in all of ours. But the benefits of xylitol don’t end there. It’s actually beneficial for your entire body, which is why you’ll find it in food products too. More on that below! benefits of xylitol As a little history lesson, the benefits of xylitol were largely discovered shortly after World War II. During the war, Finland used xylitol as a sugar replacement, but they reverted back to normal sugar consumption as the war ended. Once they reintroduced sugar, Finland saw tooth decay skyrocket, which inspired them to dig deeper into the benefits of xylitol. In the 70s, they realized that people who replaced sugar with xylitol were much less likely to experience tooth decay. This was the beginning of xylitol’s fame in the world of oral care! xylitol in toothpaste and oral care Xylitol is famous for its ability to starve the bad bacteria in your mouth (called Streptococcus mutans). But what’s more impressive is xylitol’s ability to simultaneously feed the good bacteria in your mouth as it starves the bad. Yep, that’s right. Xylitol is an incredible prebiotic that reserves all its power for good bacteria. Xylitol is also deliciously sweet....with a refreshing cooling sensation perfect for oral care products. This helps your mouth stimulate saliva flow to relieve and prevent dry mouth, flush out bad bacteria and debris, neutralize acids, and restore your mouth to a healthy pH. This makes it the perfect ingredient for: premium toothpaste natural mouthwash floss chewing gum breath mints But that’s not the end of it; the benefits of xylitol continue to impress. This incredible ingredient has the power to reduce inflammation in your entire body, nurturing your immune system and overall health too! xylitol in your diet Xylitol has the unique ability to inhibit the production of cytokines, aka small proteins that trigger inflammation throughout your body. This means that xylitol can help your immune system focus on things that truly matter, like fighting pathogens! Not to mention, xylitol tastes just as sweet (if not sweeter) than sugar, but it has half of the calories and none of the harmful side effects of sugar (which include tooth decay, inflammation, high blood pressure, blood sugar dysregulation, weight gain, and more). The small intestine absorbs xylitol much more slowly than it absorbs sugar, which is great news for metabolic function. These are just some of the reasons why you’ll find xylitol in lots of foods, like: baked goods coffees nut butter sauces As we mentioned before, xylitol naturally occurs in fruits and veggies such as apples, raspberries, strawberries, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, and more. why Davids is the best xylitol toothpaste We consider ours the best xylitol toothpaste because it’s specially formulated to give you the healthiest, strongest, freshest mouth possible. We’ve paired this amazing ingredient with nano-hydroxyapatite to bring you the best remineralizing dream team out there. As the benefits of xylitol work their magic (killing bacteria and reducing inflammation), hydroxyapatite works to strengthen your enamel from the inside out....giving your teeth the healthy dose of minerals they so desperately need. Not only does this help to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis, but it also helps to nurture a bright white smile with little-to-no sensitivity. This is because xylitol and hydroxyapatite work together to eliminate sensitivity at the source by minimizing bacteria and filling microscopic holes and imperfections in your enamel. Not to mention, our other incredible ingredients (such as vegetable glycerin, premium peppermint oils, baking soda, and more) also work alongside xylitol to freshen your breath, stimulate saliva production, protect your enamel, and whiten your teeth. As you can see, our xylitol toothpaste takes a very different (revolutionary) approach than most conventional “sensitivity toothpastes,” which simply give your mouth a dose of synthetic drugs to temporarily numb your sensitivity. We prefer to give your mouth the care it deserves with Davids, the best xylitol toothpaste. buy now.

is alcohol free mouthwash better? swish to this healthy alternative, joining our lineup soon

Don’t worry, we get it. You absolutely love the minty fresh feeling you get right after you swish around your favorite mouthwash. You even love that slight burning, tingling sensation you get from the alcohol in the mouthwash. After all, it serves as “proof” that your mouth is as clean as it can get. But what if it isn’t? What if there’s a way to get your mouth feeling even cleaner...without any of the adverse side effects of alcohol-containing, chemical-containing mouthwash? We’re here to reassure you: you can still get that ridiculously-clean feeling using more natural methods. Swishing with alcohol free mouthwash can help you achieve your freshest-feeling mouth without any harsh chemicals. And it can do so while actually nourishing your delicate oral microbiome to promote overall health far beyond your mouth. alcohol vs alcohol free mouthwash Okay, so one has alcohol in it and the other doesn’t. What’s the big deal? For your oral health, this small difference can have big impacts. alcohol-containing mouthwash Many alcohol-containing mouthwash contains over 25% alcohol. The “alcohol” in the mouthwash is actually ethanol (the same substance in alcoholic beverages), and it’s known to cause its fair share of harm. It’s also worth noting that ethanol is toxic to the human body, which is why reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is common health advice. Now, why would we want to swish the same substance around in our mouths every single day? Personally, we don’t want to, and we’ve outlined why below. bacteria balance: alcohol disrupts the delicate balance of bacteria in your oral microbiome. This balance is essential for a healthy gut and so much more (we’ll dive deeper into that in a bit). glaring warnings: many alcohol-containing mouthwashes feature use restrictions on the bottle, such as strictly using the mouthwash for a maximum of twice per day. You’ll also find warnings like, “Do Not Swallow.” “Keep out of reach of children.” “If more than used for rinsing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.” Personally, these are not messages we wish to see on an item we use daily! general discomfort: those of you who have tried alcohol-containing mouthwash might be aware of the burning, tingling, itching, and “peeling” feeling that can occur in your mouth with regular use. dry mouth: that “peeling” feeling might be an indication of dry mouth, a very uncomfortable condition. Alcohol is known to cause dry mouth, which can actually promote bacteria growth. Isn’t that the opposite of the goal? mouth ulcers: “overuse” of alcohol-containing mouthwash can also cause mouth ulcers, which are uncomfortable sores on the inner cheeks, roof of your mouth, gums, or tongue. So, is it worth it? Read on to find out how (the right) alcohol free mouthwash can give you the clean you want and deserve...without these nasty side effects. is alcohol free mouthwash better? Simply switching to an alcohol free mouthwash can eliminate many of the concerns listed above. But let’s not forget that “alcohol free mouthwash” is an umbrella term that includes any mouthwash that simply doesn’t contain alcohol. In other words, when it comes to the question “Is alcohol free mouthwash better,” the answer is not a simple yes or no… it’s more of a, “yes, as long as…” That’s because alcohol isn’t the only questionable mouthwash ingredient out there. So let’s dive into a few more. other questionable mouthwash ingredients outside of alcohol Not every alcohol free mouthwash is free of concern. Here are some “red flag” additives and ingredients to look out for. artificial dyes: these give conventional mouthwash its blue, green, and purple hues. artificial flavors: these chemical flavorings are often unsafe to ingest. chlorhexidine: this antiseptic ingredient is often found in prescription mouthwash, but research shows it can alter your mouth’s pH. This can weaken your enamel and make your mouth more susceptible to tooth decay, and it can also impact cardiovascular health. chlorine dioxide: this bleaching agent has been classified as a “hazardous gas” by the CDC. poloxamer 407: research has found that this detergent decreases blood flow in animals, and there’s enough research regarding how it affects humans. hydrogen peroxide: many whitening mouthwash formulas contain hydrogen peroxide, a chemical bleaching agent known to release free radicals as it works...leading to uncomfortable sensitivity and harmful enamel damage. Let’s meet some of the incredible organisms that help your oral microbiome (and beyond) thrive. meet your oral microbiome, an incredible world of its own You may have seen striking claims from conventional, alcohol-containing mouthwash: “Kills 99.9% of germs that cause bad breath, plaque & gingivitis.” But what about all of the incredibly important bacteria that naturally fight off the bad bacteria, aid in digestion, and maintain a healthy gut? (All of which, by the way, play a huge role in nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health.) Let’s take a moment to meet these elusive “good” bacteria. streptococcus salivarius k12: fights off bad bacteria and candida and helps your mouth maintain a healthy pH, naturally streptococcus a12: work to fight cavity-causing bacteria (S. mutans) lactobacillus: these bacteria are known to help protect against gum disease bifidobacterium: help your body digest dietary fiber while releasing vitamins and aiding your immune system The right alcohol free mouthwash can (1) nurture these good bacteria and (2) help them in their mission to fight off bad bacteria. That brings us to the question, which one is the best alcohol free mouthwash? buy now.

bamboo is a no-brainer: why it’s the best material for your sustainable toothbrush

The bamboo toothbrush is taking the oral care world by storm. As more and more people hop on the bamboo bandwagon (hey, we’re right there with you), we’re taking a moment to explore exactly why bamboo is the chosen one. From its antibacterial properties to its ability to grow at shocking speeds, there are so many reasons bamboo is the perfect material for a sustainable toothbrush. Not to mention, did you know that it's stronger than steel? Read on to discover some more surprising facts about bamboo....and how we created the best bamboo toothbrush for you. bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world What makes bamboo the best material for a sustainable toothbrush? Not only does it grow quickly, but it also grows in a way that promotes soil health and overall healthy ecosystems. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, some species of bamboo can grow up to 1.5 inches per hour (up to 20 feet in one week), making it the fastest-growing plant in the world. Unlike most trees, bamboo can reach its peak maturity within a single growing season of just 3-4 months. Bamboo grows by channeling its energy to “root” expansion, allowing each stalk to grow at a rapid rate. These stalks do not rely on leaves to generate energy, as they can rely on the energy stored at the core of the stalk. On top of this, once you cut the bamboo stalk, it will simply regenerate without harming the original “mother” plant. In fact, cutting the stalk actually stimulates more growth. So it’s possible to continuously harvest the same stalk of bamboo without disrupting the ecosystem, compromising the soil health, or completely wiping out the forest. This is amazing news when it comes to creating a product that needs to be replaced every 2-3 months, like your bamboo toothbrush! To take it a step further, bamboo can actually remove toxic substances from the soil, transform the substances into nutrients, and use those nutrients for self-growth. (Hmm, maybe bamboo is trying to teach us a life lesson too?) As you can see, these qualities make bamboo one of the most sustainable, regenerative, and practical materials to use for a product with a relatively short lifespan. No wonder it’s become the most popular material for a sustainable toothbrush! bamboo efficiently removes carbon from the atmosphere In addition to all the amazing things bamboo can do for soil health, it can also remove impressive amounts of carbon from the atmosphere (something our atmosphere desperately needs these days). In some cases, it can sequester carbon at 2-6 times faster than other trees. The other piece of good news? Bamboo can draw down carbon even better when it’s responsibly managed and rigorously harvested....another indication that responsibly harvesting bamboo (and using a bamboo toothbrush every single day) is actually good for the planet! your bamboo toothbrush is antibacterial Bamboo is known for its innate antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Because you’re likely replacing a (non-porous) conventional plastic toothbrush with a bamboo toothbrush, we understand you might want to be assured that the new natural material you’re using has the ability to fight (rather than absorb) bacteria. Our bamboo toothbrush is coated with vegan wax to add a “buffer” between bacteria and the bamboo (and to give the toothbrush a soft, smooth mouthfeel). This further helps to repel bacteria from building up on your bamboo toothbrush. After each use, be sure to rinse your bamboo toothbrush and give it the space and time to dry. We don’t recommend storing it in a tight space or in a small cup where the residual water and bacteria can build up. Just like any other toothbrush, we recommend changing out your bamboo toothbrush every 2-3 months....or even sooner if you’ve been sick or your brush has been exposed to contaminants. your bamboo toothbrush is durable yet biodegradable Bamboo is a very durable and resilient material, which is why it’s become the go-to for your sustainable toothbrush as well as cutlery, straws, and even housing construction. It has a tensile strength of 28,000 pounds per square inch, which might not mean much to you without us mentioning that steel has a tensile strength of 23,000 pounds per square inch. Needless to say, you don’t have to worry about your bamboo toothbrush “snapping” as you put pressure on it (but not too much pressure for the sake of your teeth and gums). Although bamboo is extremely durable, it’s also biodegradable. Depending on your compost approach, your bamboo toothbrush can return to the soil in a matter of weeks. Speaking of composting, you have a few options when the time comes to dispose of your bamboo toothbrush. First, make sure you pull out the bristles with some pliers, then: You can send your bamboo toothbrush to a commercial composting facility, where it’ll break down in just a few weeks. (This is our top recommendation.) You can throw it in your at-home compost, where it’ll decompose in roughly 4-6 months. You can plant it horizontally in your garden, where it should break down in about three years. As a last-ditch effort, you can just throw the bamboo toothbrush in your garden. While we don’t recommend this method, it’ll eventually decompose in 5-10 years, which is much faster than the 1,000+ years it takes for plastic to decompose. Once you get the hang of using and composting your bamboo toothbrush, you’ll see it’s the best sustainable toothbrush option out there. what makes the Davids bamboo toothbrush different? There are quite a few reasons we call ours the best bamboo toothbrush. First, the handle is made of 100% natural bamboo, and it’s coated in a smooth vegan wax for a gentle mouthfeel. It also uses soft, high-performance, BPA-free bristles that are derived from plant oil (specifically castor oil, which is known to be anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). This is an important note because many toothbrush bristles are made of plastic derived from petroleum oil which can introduce unnecessary toxins into your oral care routine. Last but certainly not least, our bamboo toothbrush comes in FSC-certified sustainable packaging, meaning it’s harvested responsibly without contributing to deforestation. This packaging aligns beautifully with the bamboo toothbrush itself, championing healthy forests, soil, ecosystems, and agriculture practices around the world. buy now.

have an appetite for hydroxyapatite? get to know five popular products

It’s no secret that hydroxyapatite is an out-of-this-world ingredient. Developed by NASA, tested by countless scientists, labs, and dental professionals, and taking the dental world by storm (for good reason). With so many brands launching new products formulated with this hero ingredient, things can start to feel a bit overwhelming. How do you know which products to prioritize? Which ones to use daily? Which ones to skip altogether? With so many questions in the air, we want to take some time to discuss and compare five popular hydroxyapatite products. While we won’t be comparing brands (that would take ages), we will be comparing different types of hydroxyapatite products....toothpaste, powder, floss, you name it! We hope this breakdown helps you determine which hydroxyapatite products to add to your daily oral care ritual and which ones don’t belong in the hydroxyapatite hype. brushing up on the various types of hydroxyapatite products hydroxyapatite toothpaste Brushing twice daily with hydroxyapatite toothpaste is one of the best ways to give your mouth a daily dose of remineralizing magic. With hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can easily distribute the hydroxyapatite particles to every corner of your mouth, even focusing on specific teeth that might feel more sensitive than others. With hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you can also avoid rinsing after you brush to let the paste linger on your teeth for extended remineralization. When it comes to hydroxyapatite toothpaste, of course, we’re biased, but you can smile brighter knowing that our third-party lab tests are not. When stacked up against other leading sensitive toothpaste (some made with hydroxyapatite and some with fluoride), our hydroxyapatite toothpaste proved to be most effective at remineralizing damaged enamel and relieving sensitivity. Check out the results below for yourself!   hydroxyapatite tooth powder Tooth powders have gained some traction in recent years, as they are marketed as a sustainable, longer-lasting alternative to toothpaste made with fewer ingredients. While this may be true for some brands, we feel that most tooth powders can be more abrasive, less sanitary, and less user-friendly than traditional paste. Because mineral tooth powder, specifically hydroxyapatite tooth powder, is more coarse than paste (and typically contains other minerals such as sea salt), it might actually be too abrasive for your enamel. Although hydroxyapatite particles are meant to remineralize weakened areas of your enamel, the other abrasive ingredients in hydroxyapatite tooth powder might be moving things in the opposite direction. With tooth powders (not bites) it can be difficult to get the powder in your mouth or on the brush. It’s unsanitary to dip your toothbrush into the powder, so you’d have to: Shake it onto your brush, which feels a bit wasteful. Scoop it onto your hand where you can then dip your brush, which sounds quite messy. Scoop it straight into your mouth, which gives us flashbacks to the viral cinnamon challenge that’s famous for drying out your mouth. No matter the method, we find hydroxyapatite tooth powder to be far less user-friendly than our trusty hydroxyapatite toothpaste. hydroxyapatite floss Hydroxyapatite floss is one of our favorite products to deliver n-ha to the tiniest, tightest crevices of your mouth. Without flossing, you could be leaving 30% of your tooth’s surface untouched, allowing bacteria to wreak havoc on ⅓ of your teeth! But with hydroxyapatite floss, you can feel better knowing you’re catering to 100% of your teeth, delivering fortifying minerals to those hard-to-reach places. Davids hydroxyapatite floss is woven with over 250 strong yet soft threads, allowing the floss to expand as you use it and “grab” even more plaque and debris than other brands. It’s also infused with xylitol (your bacteria-fighting superhero) and cocoa butter, so it can gently slide between your teeth without you having to press too hard. hydroxyapatite mouthwash Adding hydroxyapatite mouthwash into your daily routine is an amazing way to remineralize your enamel, balance your oral pH, nourish your oral microbiome, and freshen your breath. If you still don’t feel super-fresh after your normal oral care routine, consider adding hydroxyapatite mouthwash! Below, we’ve listed some questions to ask as you shop around for one. (By the way, keep an eye out for the brand new Davids hydroxyapatite mouthwash this year, as it naturally checks all of the boxes below.) Is it alcohol and SLS-free? Does it contain xylitol? Does it contain glycerin? Does it contain “natural flavors”? Is it a clear liquid, or is it a vibrant color? To maximize the benefits of your hydroxyapatite mouthwash, pair it with brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, and don’t rinse after use. You want those hydroxyapatite particles to linger in your mouth, so they can work their remineralizing magic! pap teeth whitening with hydroxyapatite PAP teeth whitening is in a separate category from all of the other products we’ve discussed, as it’s more of a cosmetic product than an oral health product. Not all PAP teeth whitening products contain hydroxyapatite....only the ones labeled as “PAP+” are fortified with hydroxyapatite. Unlike conventional whitening products that use peroxides as the main ingredient, PAP+ products whiten without causing sensitivity. In fact, because they contain hydroxyapatite particles, they actively work to reverse sensitivity as they whiten! PAP+ products come in many forms: whitening strips, gels, mouthwashes, and even toothpastes. Because these products don’t contain (sensitivity-causing, enamel-damaging) peroxides, they’re safe to use more often than the conventional products out there. So you can achieve a bright white smile that feels good too. the Davids difference To sum things up, we’ve compiled a handy table to compare some of these hydroxyapatite products based on some characteristics we value as a brand. . .⌣ Davids n-ha toothpaste toothpaste powders Davids safe floss hydroxyapatite mouthwash PAP+ whitening safe to use daily ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ easy to use ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓ sensitivity-safe ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓  Davids-trusted ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓ ✓   As you can see, our (current and future, stay tuned regarding mouthwash and PAP+ whitening) products check all the boxes, and we like to call that the Davids difference. buy now.

red is reserved for love: how to alleviate five causes of gum bleeding this v-day

February has arrived, which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! While February is famously the month of love, it’s also National Gum Disease Awareness Month, which leads us to the question: are your gums bleeding for no reason? In the US, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease, and we want to help lower that number by spreading awareness and creating incredible gum-nurturing products. One of the most common warning signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, one of the many messages from your mouth that you should never ignore. To help you nurture your gum health and have the freshest Valentine’s Day yet, we’re covering some of the most common causes of gum bleeding....and the best Davids-centered routine to care for your gums. are your gums bleeding for no reason? common causes of gum bleeding and how to alleviate them 1: brushing too hard It’s a common misconception that you can achieve a deeper clean by brushing harder. The truth is that brushing harder can actually do more harm than good. It can hurt your gums and lead to bleeding and stinging. It can also lead to sensitivity because it can cause your gums to recede and your enamel to weaken, both of which can expose the “tubules” that lead to your tooth’s ultra-sensitive center nerve. The good news is that this is one of the causes of gum bleeding that’s super easy to fix. All you have to do is go light on the brushing....and make sure you’re using a soft bristle toothbrush, like our premium bamboo toothbrush. For a gentle, effective cleaning, try completing a mini-mindfulness practice during your oral care routine. Carefully clean each tooth with intention, holding your soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and cleaning the front, back, and top surface of each tooth. Be sure to gently brush back and forth on the gum line to remove any plaque buildup that could lead to gingivitis. 2: improper or inconsistent flossing If you’ve recently started a new flossing routine and notice your gums start to bleed out of the blue, your gums might not be used to flossing yet. While it can be tempting to toss the floss when your gums bleed, it actually might be a sign that your teeth really need flossing. The trick is to floss every single day with consistency, and the bleeding should eventually subside. Be sure to use proper technique by gently “hugging” each tooth with the floss and gliding the floss up and down without too much force in the downward direction. Also, ensure you’re using carefully designed dental floss like the Davids expanding dental floss. It’s woven with over 250 strong yet soft threads that expand as you go to fit in tight crevices and grab more plaque and debris along the way. Not to mention, it’s infused with xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite to help fight bad bacteria and remineralize your enamel in those hard-to-reach areas to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 3: hormonal changes Hormonal changes are one of the (more unexpected) causes of gum bleeding. For example, have you heard that increased estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to gum bleeding and gum disease? Pregnancy gingivitis can cause increased inflammation in your gums, causing tenderness, redness, and bleeding. Dental experts believe that the increased inflammation is caused by increased blood flow to your gums and decreased immune response due to pregnancy. This makes it harder for your mouth to fight off bacteria and plaque, which is why it’s extremely important to stay on top of your oral care. Flossing daily and brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help keep your gums healthy and strong during periods of hormonal changes. As the hydroxyapatite particles in our sensitive + whitening toothpaste work to fortify your enamel from the inside out, gentle abrasives work to break down stubborn plaque, and xylitol + peppermint oils fight and starve the bad bacteria in your mouth. The result is a bright smile, healthy gums, and fresh breath....just in time for Valentine’s Day! 4: certain health conditions Various conditions such as diabetes, nutrient deficiencies (such as low vitamin C), blood disorders, and autoimmunity can cause gum bleeding. If you’re continuously asking yourself, “Why are my gums bleeding?” and they don’t stop after a few days of proper diet and oral care, it could be a sign of something deeper. Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist and primary care doctor to see if any underlying conditions are contributing to your inflamed gums. Remember, your oral health is a cornerstone of your overall health! 5: stress When you think of the impacts of stress on your body, you probably don’t think of it as one of the main causes of gum bleeding. But stress can play a central role in your gum health! Not only can stress increase inflammation and blood flow in your gums, but it can also cause you to subconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth (during the day and when you’re sleeping). Jaw clenching (bruxism) can lead to gum recession and make your gums more vulnerable to attacks from bacteria and other microorganisms. To help reduce stress, nurture your immune system, and regulate your nervous system, we recommend finding a form of exercise you can stick to for 30 minutes every day. It’s also best to reduce (or ideally eliminate) caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. curate your healthy gum routine in time for valentine’s day To celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Gum Disease Awareness Month, curate an oral care routine that officially eliminates that pesky question, “Why are my gums bleeding?” At Davids, all of our products are crafted with deep care and intention, so your gums and mouth can feel healthy and radiant every day. We touched on a few of these already, but you can start building your healthy gum routine with our... expanding dental floss: crafted to effectively remove plaque and bacteria and fortify your teeth and gums with xylitol, nano-hydroxyapatite, cocoa butter, and mint essential oils premium bamboo toothbrush: designed with natural bamboo and soft BPA-free bristles derived from castor oil (instead of petroleum) to nurture healthy teeth and gums premium toothpaste: formulated to gently exfoliate your teeth, fight bacteria, nourish your gums, freshen your breath, reduce sensitivity, and naturally whiten your smile stainless steel tongue scraper: made to gently remove the film of bacteria and pathogens on your tongue, so your immune system can focus its resources on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and happy Have you noticed the secret love note on your box of Davids toothpaste? Find out what D2MFVAMB means here, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an oral care routine crafted with love. buy now.

five unexpected benefits of flossing you probably haven’t heard before

If you’ve been to the dentist lately, odds are you’ve been told to add flossing to your routine. It’s famous for reducing your risk of cavities, fighting gum disease, and taming bad breath. But did you know the benefits of flossing can extend far beyond your mouth? From blood sugar to gut health, we’re brushing up on some of the unexpected benefits of flossing that you may not know....and how we created the best dental floss to help you reap the benefits without feeling super frustrated by the habit. (Anti-flossers, we’re looking at you!) 1: flossing can help reverse gum disease If you catch gum disease in its early stages, you can reverse it with professional advice and diligent oral care habits. By “diligent” we of course mean caring for every little corner of your mouth by flossing. You might’ve heard us say before that brushing misses about 40% of your enamel’s surface, giving bacteria free rein to fester. One of the well-known benefits of flossing is that it can reach crevices in your mouth that would otherwise remain untouched. Not to mention, our new floss is infused with xylitol and hydroxyapatite to deliver bacteria-fighting and enamel-restoring benefits to every little bit of your pearly whites....talk about the best dental floss! 2: flossing may work to improve your heart health Although many different factors can alter your risk for heart disease, experts theorize that the bacteria in your mouth can play a part. (Note: the word “theorize” is very important here, as more research is necessary to confidently link gum disease with heart disease.) Gingivitis-causing bacteria have the power to travel throughout your body and bloodstream, entering blood vessels in other parts of your body. As the bacteria travel, they may trigger an immune response in your body that can lead to chronic inflammation and potentially increase your risk for heart disease, blood clots, and stroke. To support this theory, some experts have found traces of oral bacteria in atherosclerotic (artery-clogging) blood vessels far away from the mouth. As mentioned above, one of the major benefits of flossing is that it can fight gum disease....which might just lower your risk for heart disease! 3: flossing can boost your immune system We’ve mentioned that one of the benefits of flossing is that it can remove the bacteria that brushing can’t....reducing your risk of gum disease and lowering inflammation throughout your body. This also gives your immune system a little break! Fewer bacteria in your mouth means your immune system can focus on other areas of your body, allocating disease-fighting cells to parts of your body that might need it more. After a few months of your flossing routine, let us know if you notice your body has an easier time fighting off common colds and the flu! 4: flossing can help stabilize your blood sugar Research has connected gum disease and diabetes. On one hand, the bacteria that causes gum disease can enter your bloodstream and raise your sugar levels. On the other hand, elevated blood sugar can also increase the amount of sugar in your saliva....which can feed bad bacteria and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It’s a vicious cycle! While flossing can’t directly impact your blood sugar levels, it can help in the long run. By reducing bacteria in your mouth and preventing (or reversing) gum disease, flossing can indirectly help manage blood sugar levels. Once again, the benefits of flossing continue to surprise us! 5: flossing can help prevent gut issues and imbalances As we always say, your mouth is the window to your gut (and your overall health). We’ve talked about how the bacteria in your mouth can travel far into your bloodstream, but it can also pass directly into your digestive tract! When it does so, it can lead to imbalances in your gut, allowing the bad bacteria to overpower the good. This can lead to symptoms like irregularity, gas, bloating, and beyond. It can also pave the way for conditions like SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). SIBO indicates a severe imbalance in bacterial flora, causing loose stools and keeping your body from properly absorbing nutrients. In addition to brushing and tongue scraping, flossing is one of the best habits to reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth and keep it from wreaking havoc on your gut. If you already experience uncomfortable gut symptoms, you may want to revisit your oral care routine and ensure you’re as diligent as possible....and reaping all the amazing benefits of flossing. nurture your mouth with the best floss It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the dental floss options out there. Maybe you’ve tried a few that just haven’t held up, discouraging you (even more) from flossing. We know it can be so hard to find the best floss for your teeth, so we designed a floss that adapts to all different mouths. Whether you’re new to flossing or you’ve already decided you hate it altogether, the Davids expanding dental floss is for you. Here’s why. it’s adaptable: our “expanding” design is woven with 250+ threads, allowing the floss to fit into small areas and increase its surface area to scrub away plaque, bacteria, and debris without shredding (and driving you insane). it’s comfortable: it wouldn’t be the best dental floss if it wasn’t coated in vegan wax and cocoa butter for an extra smooth glide! So you don’t have to jam it into your gums. it’s infused with xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite: these two hero ingredients work together to fight bad bacteria and remineralize those hard-to-reach parts of your enamel. This is important for keeping your gums healthy and delivering some of the amazing benefits of flossing we described in this article. Not to mention, our made-to-last dispensers and floss refills allow you to reduce waste and save energy. Talk about the best dental floss! Give it a try to see if you agree. Your mouth and body will thank you. buy now.