Davids blog
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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teeth whitening for sensitive teeth: simple dos and don'ts
You may have heard us mention this before, but 1 in 8 Americans struggle with tooth sensitivity. If you’re the “1,” just know you’re not alone, and we know how you feel. It can be so hard to deal with everything that comes with sensitive teeth....having to chew on one side, only being able to use lukewarm water to brush your teeth, avoiding hot and cold treats, not being able to whiten your teeth....unfortunately, the list goes on and on. We're here to remind you that incredible, innovative solutions exist! Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth does, in fact, exist. Thanks to natural whitening toothpaste (aka Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste) and other cutting-edge products like PAP teeth whitening, you can achieve a bright white smile while simultaneously treating your sensitivity. But as you begin your whitening journey with sensitive teeth, there are a few important things to remember. Read on to discover our top dos and don’ts as you work towards your brightest smile yet! do: follow the instructions on the package Product warnings exist for a reason. With most peroxide-based whitening products such as mouthwash, strips, and gel, you’ll find strict instructions on how long to leave the product on your teeth. When you leave chemical whitening agents on your teeth too long, not only can it wear down your enamel (causing uncomfortable teeth sensitivity), but the whitening agents will stop working their magic. The process tends to hit a “plateau” such that your teeth tend to stay at the same shade. To make sure that your teeth are actually getting whiter, you can take progress photos holding a tooth “shade guide” next to your teeth. You’ll notice that methods of teeth whitening for sensitive teeth, such as PAP teeth whitening, have more lenient instructions. These methods are designed for sensitive teeth, using whitening agents that don’t damage your enamel over time. So you can use these products often without worrying! do: seek out teeth whitening for sensitive teeth Yep, you read that right. Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth actually exists. Even if you don’t have sensitive teeth day-to-day, it’s no secret that conventional teeth whitening methods can cause some serious sensitivity. That’s why we encourage everyone to seek out teeth whitening for sensitive teeth! These new, innovative methods use PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) in place of peroxides. While peroxides release free radicals (unstable atoms) that can damage your enamel and lead to sensitivity, PAP does not. Plus, many PAP products (along with our natural whitening toothpaste) are formulated with hydroxyapatite to remineralize your enamel and reverse sensitivity (more on that below). The result is a sparkling white smile that feels as good as it looks. do: master the basics + remineralize with hydroxyapatite Teeth whitening won’t do much if you’re not prioritizing oral care on a daily basis. Teeth discoloration occurs from daily wear and tear. Different foods, drinks, and habits can wear down your enamel over time, causing it to turn yellow (or even gray) over time. The best way to combat discoloration is to optimize your mouth-friendly diet and hone in on the oral care basics. limit hard and/or acidic foods and drinks avoid alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine brush twice daily with our natural whitening toothpaste, infused with hydroxyapatite floss daily with our dental floss, infused with xylitol and hydroxyapatite scrape your tongue These habits will protect your enamel while delivering a daily dose of hydroxyapatite, a revolutionary ingredient that works to remineralize your enamel from the inside out. When it comes to teeth whitening for sensitive teeth, your products should always incorporate hydroxyapatite. This hero ingredient has been proven to reduce sensitivity by plugging “holes” in your enamel to protect your tooth’s center nerve (and everything surrounding it). Additionally, research shows that hydroxyapatite embodies its own whitening powers, revealing a brighter smile without help from other ingredients. don’t: blindly follow social media trends Social media trends will have you slathering purple toothpaste all over your pearly whites or applying hydrogen peroxide directly to your teeth with a cotton ball. We’re here to tell you that these are not reliable methods of teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. On one hand, purple toothpaste uses color theory to “mimic” the appearance of a whiter smile until saliva comes around and wipes the lingering residue off your enamel. On the other hand, applying hydrogen peroxide directly to your teeth can cause serious damage to your enamel which can have long-lasting negative effects. Instead of following advice from social media, we recommend sticking to methods that are lab-tested (like our natural whitening toothpaste) and gentle (like PAP teeth whitening). don’t: skip your dentist appointment If sensitivity is getting in the way of your day-to-day life (whether you’re following a whitening routine or not), we recommend visiting your dentist. They’ll be able to take X-rays and analyze your gums to see if something deeper might be causing your sensitivity. It could be that your gums have receded to expose some sensitive nerve endings, or your enamel has been weakened enough to cause a cavity. You don’t want to overlook these things or let them progress to the point where they can no longer be reversed! don’t: ignore painful messages from your mouth As annoying as they are, your sensitive teeth are always trying to tell you something. We know it can be tempting to ignore painful messages from your mouth for the sake of a bright white smile, but we urge you to (1) get to the root of your sensitivity and if it’s safe (2) opt for whitening methods that actually nurture your smile. Remember, it is possible to find teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. And we’re happy to provide you with whitening methods that nurture your long-term oral health. To accompany our natural whitening toothpaste, we’re launching an exciting new whitening product this year. Can you guess what it is? We’ll give you one hint: its star ingredient starts with a “p” and ends with a “p”! buy now.
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why you should choose a professionally made natural mouthwash over your homemade mouthwash
Do you make your own mouthwash? First off, we’re so happy you’re taking a step in the right direction (aka, away from the big-brand chemical mouthwashes that have dominated the market for so long). If you’re into homemade mouthwash, that probably means you’ve seen through the promises of conventional mouthwash. Maybe you’ve discovered a few ingredients in name brands that are not-so-great for your mouth, your body, or the planet. So you’ve taken it upon yourself to come up with a better solution, and we truly admire that. At Davids, we’ve done the same thing. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to formulate an incredible natural mouthwash that nurtures your oral microbiome, your body, and the planet. (But keep that between us, since we haven’t quite launched it yet.) The truth is, we’ve spent so much time perfecting our natural mouthwash that we simply can’t wait to talk about it....and how it’s worth choosing over your DIY mouthwash. what’s usually in homemade mouthwash? You can find a lot of homemade mouthwash recipes out there for different concerns. The simple, catch-all recipes typically include some combination of filtered water, baking soda, and essential oils (such as peppermint, wintergreen, cinnamon, and tea tree). You might also find recipes that add antioxidant ingredients such as cloves, thyme, turmeric, and aloe vera. Some DIY mouthwash recipes for specific concerns (such as “disinfectant” and “whitening”) might include ingredients like apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. The truth is, there’s so much variation when it comes to homemade mouthwash. Although there might be some benefits to doing it yourself (like the ability to reuse your bottle or buy ingredients in bulk), you really have to understand exactly how each ingredient could impact your oral health in the long run. For example, too much hydrogen peroxide can lead to serious tooth and gum sensitivity. Too much apple cider vinegar can wear down your enamel from the sheer acidity of the vinegar. Even too many drops of essential oils can lead to burning and tingling! To us, your long-term oral health is too important to risk by experimenting with different DIY recipes. That’s why we prefer ditching homemade mouthwash and leaving the formulation to the professionals. the perks of leaving it to the professionals The professionals (the right ones, at least) know exactly what concentration of each ingredient will support your long-term oral health, not damage it. This is not to say that all mouthwash is created equal. We’ll be the first to call out the concerns surrounding conventional mouthwash, as it can be full of alcohol, artificial dyes, harsh chemicals, and who-knows-what disguised under the label of “natural flavor.” Be sure to consider that caveat when we say that the right professionals know exactly how to formulate a natural mouthwash that will nurture your oral microbiome. Finding a trusty natural mouthwash just requires a little effort and label reading (more on that in the next section). When you leave the mouthwash making to the professionals, not only do they know exactly how to formulate it, but they have access to the best ingredients! Ingredient quality and sourcing truly matter, and experienced professionals have way more sourcing opportunities than the average person. At your local store, you’re limited to what’s on the shelf. Even with the accessibility of online shopping, it can be hard to know exactly where ingredients come from or how they’ve been processed. In the context of natural mouthwash, the importance of sourcing shines through a few very specific ingredients. xylitol: some xylitol comes from corn and beets, but at Davids, we use a premium US-produced xylitol derived from birch trees. It’s the best option for you and the environment! hydroxyapatite: not all natural mouthwash contains hydroxyapatite, but it’s in your best interest to seek it out! The particle size (and concentration) of the hydroxyapatite can play a huge role in the safety and efficacy of the ingredient. At Davids, our hydroxyapatite particle size and concentration produce noticeable positive results, and our third-party lab tests prove it! premium essential oils: essential oils have a wide spectrum of quality. The essential oils we use at Davids come from reliable suppliers around the US, and we combine them in a way that creates incredible flavor profiles and antibacterial properties. Not to mention, we always ensure the ingredients we source ethically and sustainably. This isn’t the case for many ingredients you might come across in your DIY oral care projects! how to choose your natural mouthwash First, here are a few tips you can keep in mind to spot and secure the natural mouthwash in the colorful sea of conventional products. Make sure the mouthwash you choose is clear, not bright blue, purple, yellow or green. Check how long the ingredient list is. Is it so long it’s making you go cross-eyed? Can you decipher the ingredients or not? See if it claims to kill 99.9% of anything. We don’t want that. Look out for glaring warnings. Does it say, “Do not use in children under X.”? This is a sure sign to step away from that option. Is the cap child-proof? This is another sure sign it’s not the safest option. Now let’s cover how to choose the best natural mouthwash of the bunch. As you might know, we’re huge fans of xylitol and hydroxyapatite. These two incredible ingredients work together as a remineralizing dream team, and we want to make sure your teeth are getting a regular healthy dose of remineralization to fight sensitivity and tooth decay. As xylitol works to increase saliva production and starve the bad bacteria in your mouth, the hydroxyapatite particles weave into microscopic “holes” in your enamel to rebuild them at the foundation. In other words, we encourage you to search for a natural mouthwash that contains xylitol and hydroxyapatite along with delicious mint oils, moistening vegetable glycerin, and neutralizing baking soda. Stay tuned in the coming months for a special announcement from us about an incredible new natural mouthwash! Until then, you can stock up on our sensitive + whitening toothpaste, formulated with xylitol and hydroxyapatite. buy now.
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take baby steps to nurture your oral health during pregnancy with hydroxyapatite
Whether you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or reading this article just for fun...congratulations on your interest in the intricacies of oral health during pregnancy! If you are pregnant, you don’t need us to tell you that it can have some unexpected effects on your body. Your delicate oral microbiome is no exception, as it can experience some surprising and confusing changes when you’re pregnant. If you’re surprised that pregnancy can greatly impact your oral health, you’re not alone. A 2022 survey revealed that only about 53% of women received helpful information from their dentists about oral health during pregnancy. That being said, we hope this article sheds some light on the topic and equips you with the info and products (hello, Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste) to keep your mouth healthy and happy on this amazing journey. pregnancy and oral health During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can present as a wide array of symptoms. As a common example, surging levels of estrogen during the first trimester can lead to infamous nausea. But perhaps one of the lesser-known examples is pregnancy gingivitis (along with other oral health complications). Yup, soaring levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause inflammation in your gums. While experts haven’t come up with a direct answer for this, they believe it’s because pregnancy can increase the blood flow to your gums while simultaneously slowing your body’s natural ability to fight bad bacteria. On top of this, sugar cravings and increased vomiting can add on a few oral health complications. If you find that your gums appear tender, red, and/or extra shiny during pregnancy, or they’re bleeding a lot more when you brush, you could be dealing with pregnancy gingivitis. Because pregnancy can cause gingivitis and reduce your ability to fight plaque, it can also lead to sensitivity and tooth decay. This is why it’s so important to go the extra mile to care for your oral health during pregnancy. In the next section, you’ll find some of our top tips to do just that! ways to protect your oral health during pregnancy Don’t worry, there are so many safe ways to care for your delicate oral microbiome while growing a human. (And in case no one has told you recently, you’re amazing for doing all the things while growing a human.) Now, let’s dive in. get your routine x-rays and any necessary fillings behind you before pregnancy. (This one only applies if you’re planning your pregnancy, of course). Although most dentists and ob/gyns agree it’s still safe to get dental x-rays while pregnant, why not get all of your dental work sorted beforehand if you can? continue to see your dentist during pregnancy. We hope you’re visiting your dentist for regular checkups every six months! We just want to remind you that pregnancy is one of the most important times to keep up with this good habit. eat a mouth-healthy diet. We recommend lowering your intake of sugary, starchy, and sticky foods and incorporating some of the foods outlined in this article written by Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD. brush twice daily with our sensitive + whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste. This is one of the most important steps! Brushing twice daily (for two minutes each time) with our hydroxyapatite toothpaste is one of the best ways to avoid plaque buildup, tooth decay, sensitivity, and gingivitis. As our gentle micro-abrasives, baking soda, xylitol, and premium mint oils work together to fight plaque and stimulate saliva production, the hydroxyapatite particles remineralize any sensitive, weakened, or damaged spots in your enamel. floss once daily with our expanding dental floss. Our new safe dental floss is also infused with hydroxyapatite particles, so it can remineralize those hard-to-reach crevices in your mouth. consider adding a natural mouthwash to your routine. For an extra boost of remineralization and bacteria reduction, try adding an alcohol-free natural mouthwash to your routine! Psst, we’ll have a brand new one for you in 2024. You’ll find that many other articles encourage you to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, so let’s dive into why we prefer hydroxyapatite toothpaste for all your remineralizing and sensitivity-fighting needs (especially during pregnancy). how Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help If you’ve made it this far, you know that keeping up with your oral care routine (with an added emphasis on enamel remineralization) is extra important when you’re pregnant. And when it comes to remineralization, we’re faced with the classic question: hydroxyapatite or fluoride? It’s no secret that we prefer hydroxyapatite, and here are just a few reasons why. too much fluoride can be toxic. When you consider that fluoride hides in your water and toothpaste, it can be easy to over-consume it. Too much fluoride can lead to fluoride toxicity, which is why you’ll find a poison control warning on fluoride toothpaste. We understand wanting to avoid this exposure altogether, especially when you’re pregnant! on the other hand, hydroxyapatite is biocompatible. With hydroxyapatite, you don’t have to worry about overexposure to toxins. This is because it already exists in your body, so when you supplement with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, the particles feel “at home” in your body. research confirms that hydroxyapatite is an effective alternative to fluoride. Some might argue that fluoride is more effective simply because it has the ADA stamp of approval (and it’s dominated the market for so many years). However, research says hydroxyapatite is an effective substitute for fluoride, and you can read more about it in the studies linked below. comparison of hydroxyapatite and fluoride oral care gels remineralization of early caries by a nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrice remineralization potential of new toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite enamel remineralization and repair results of biomimetic hydroxyapatite toothpaste Did you know that our hydroxyapatite toothpaste is also lab-tested? Our specific formula outperformed leading sensitive toothpastes (Apagard Premio, Boka, Colgate Sensitive, Risewell, Sensodyne Pronamel, and Tom’s Sensitive) in remineralizing weakened areas of the enamel. You don’t have to take our word for it, the photo evidence (of real teeth magnified 3000x) speaks for itself! buy now.
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