Davids blog
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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why you should try tongue scraping, an ancient art that has thrived for thousands of years
Have you ever wondered where tongue scraping came from? If you’ve never tried tongue scraping before, the habit can seem a little odd. But you might be delighted to find out that it’s an ancient art that’s been around for thousands of years across many different cultures. From thin strips of wood to precious metals to mother-of-pear, tongue scrapers have taken on many different forms over the years. But one thing has remained true: tongue scraping is still a cornerstone of oral care...transcending cultures, fads, and skeptics for millennia. There’s a reason for that, so let’s scrape the surface of the long history of tongue scraping. tongue scraping in ancient Ayurveda You might have heard us mention Ayurveda before. It’s an incredible system of natural medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Formed by combining two Sanskrit words, the term Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.” It takes a completely holistic approach to health and wellness, understanding that all systems of the mind, body, and spirit are intertwined. Ayurveda also contextualizes health using laws of nature and energy, affirming that humans are intimately connected to the universe. Ayurveda says that true health works in harmony with nature, an ethos that we can truly get behind at Davids. Now, onto tongue scraping. For thousands of years, tongue scraping (previously with metals like silver, gold, and copper) has played an important role in Ayurvedic medicine, as the tongue is viewed as a window to your overall health. Different areas on your tongue are said to be connected to different internal organs. Because tongue scraping detoxifies, massages, and stimulates the tissue, Ayurveda says that it does the same for the connected organs. Tongue scraping removes a harmful film called “ama,” which often manifests as bad breath or an unpleasant film on the tongue. When you remove this film with a tongue scraper, it can protect your dental and digestive health, improve taste, stimulate your organs, and beyond. Perhaps most importantly, Ayurveda believes that tongue scraping (and examining your tongue in general) is a foundational daily wellness check. We do too! There’s a reason this habit has persisted over thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s take on tongue scraping Originating 20+ centuries ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a bit younger than Ayurveda. Like Ayurveda, TCM is a holistic well-being system centered around life-force-enhancing practices (such as yoga), whole food nourishment, herbal healing, breathwork, and intention. TCM also believes that characteristics of the tongue (color, shape, smell, texture, etc.) reflect the health of certain internal organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, and lungs. To no surprise, TCM values tongue scraping to keep internal systems healthy and thriving. As a side note, TCM also uses acupuncture as an essential well-being tool, and most acupuncturists will want to take a look at your tongue to assess your wellness before a session. To ensure an accurate assessment, many acupuncturists will ask you not to use a tongue scraper in the 24 hours leading up to your session. tongue scraping in Arabic and African cultures Many Arabic and African cultures have been tongue scraping for centuries. Instead of a metal tongue scraper, they utilize wooden sticks and twigs from native trees. They soak the stick in water overnight, chew the end of it to create frayed bristles, and use the bristle end as a toothbrush. Then, they finish the routine by using the smooth end as a tongue scraper (sometimes formed into an inverted V-shape similar to many tongue scrapers on the market today). After each use, the stick gets shorter (because of the repeated fraying), so they typically replace the stick once it gets too short to use. European cultures adopt tongue scraping European cultures were a little bit later to the party, picking up tongue scraping between the 15th and 19th centuries. They crafted metal tongue scrapers that look a lot like the ones we use today. Some were an inverted U-shape, and some had a single-handed design similar to the Davids stainless steel tongue scraper you see below. However, tongue scraping was typically limited to the upper class back then. Of course today, we believe everyone deserves to feel the unparalleled freshness you can get after using a tongue scraper (trust us, it’ll hook you). today, you can use the best tongue scraper Thousands of years later, tongue scraping is alive and well (arguably gaining more popularity as we speak). We believe this is because once you try it, you’ll never want to stop. After all, you can truly feel the benefits of tongue scraping after every use. On that note, our stainless steel tongue scraper is preferred by dental professionals because of its unique single-handed design and smooth rounded edges. This design allows you to reach all those areas of your tongue that are associated with essential organs (according to Ayurveda and TCM) without aggravating your gag reflex. Although copper tongue scrapers are popular in Ayurveda, copper requires extra care after each use to ensure it doesn’t tarnish. Our stainless steel tongue scraper doesn’t require as much diligence, since it won’t tarnish and its edges will remain smooth even after long-term use. Not to mention, you can put it in the dishwasher for a deep cleaning without having to worry about it! Especially if you’re new to tongue scraping, ours is designed to give you the best experience. For our favorite tongue scraping routine, visit our previous article, “should I scrape my tongue before or after brushing? our top tips for you.” buy now.
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new year, new chance to create an oral care routine that supports your whole body
Another year has come and gone, giving us all a fresh chance to be the best versions of ourselves. When thinking about your resolutions, we want to make sure you don’t brush over your oral health routine. You might already know this about us, but we believe oral health is the window to your overall health. While that can sound intimidating, it can also be exciting! Establishing a new elevated oral care routine in 2024 can open new doors of health, vibrancy, and balance in your life. Don’t believe us? We hope this article brings you to the bright (pearly white) side. why take a holistic approach to oral health? At Davids, we’re all about minimalism. But when it comes to oral health, we know that things are never as simple as they seem. Oral health is not just oral health, it’s the window to your overall health. Your oral microbiome (mouth) works very closely with your gut microbiome to lay the foundations of your overall well-being. Think about it this way: when you swallow (which you do consciously and subconsciously all day long), bacteria, pathogens, and other microorganisms travel from your mouth to your gut. If the bacterial balance in your mouth is out of whack (more bad than good), this can not only lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, but it can also lead to gut dysbiosis. Dysbiosis in the gut has been linked to whole-body impacts such as cognitive disease, mental health struggles, autoimmunity, mood swings, insomnia, indigestion, acid reflux, acne, insulin resistance, and beyond. At the very least, we know that when bad bacteria take over in your mouth and gut, it can lead to inflammation throughout your entire body. We want to avoid that. To do so, we invite you to “zoom out,” see oral health as a crucial piece of the puzzle, and use it as motivation to align the rest of your self-care routine to nurture the best version of yourself. the oral care core trifecta Now that we’ve covered oral care as part of your overall health, it’s time to cultivate an oral care routine that checks all the boxes. It’s no secret that when flossing, brushing, and tongue scraping come together, the result is greater than the sum of its parts. 1: flossing with safe dental floss Do you really need to floss? The answer is a resounding yes. If you’re brushing over this essential step, your oral care routine might only be reaching 65% of your teeth....leaving 35% of your pearly whites in the dark. The new year presents a new opportunity to start your flossing routine, and our new expanding dental floss is the perfect product to get you started. It’s woven with 250+ soft threads for softness and durability, so you don’t have to worry about shredding as you reach those tight spaces. The threads have the ability to expand, increasing the surface area as you go to grab more plaque and debris in those hard-to-reach places. Our dental floss is also infused with cocoa butter, premium mint oils, and hydroxyapatite for a fresh clean that remineralizes your enamel as you go. As a safe dental floss, it avoids the PFAS (harmful forever chemicals) that are found in many conventional floss brands. 2: brushing with a bamboo toothbrush + premium toothpaste This probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard us talk about the importance of brushing. After all, we are a toothpaste brand! To avoid sounding like a broken record, we’ll leave you with a couple of interesting statistics. A 2023 report reveals that 59% of adult Americans developed better oral care habits during the pandemic, and they plan to maintain them. Yet only 79% of adults reported brushing their teeth twice a day, and 17% of people aren’t brushing long enough. Time and time again, we’ve seen that brushing twice daily for two minutes is crucial for fighting plaque and preventing oral complications like tooth decay and gum disease. We invite you to make 2024 the year you commit to brushing twice daily for two minutes each. Our bamboo toothbrush and premium toothpaste might just be the motivation you need to hone this habit. After all, our bamboo toothbrush is soft, sustainable, and comfortable....and our toothpaste flavors range from delicious peppermint to perfectly sweet strawberry watermelon. 3: tongue scraping with a stainless steel tongue scraper Tongue scraping does a lot more than simply clean your tongue and freshen your breath. Dental Ayurveda states that different areas of your tongue are connected to specific vital organs throughout your body. By using a tongue scraper, you’re directly removing toxins from these areas while simultaneously stimulating the tissue. By association, Ayurveda suggests that this detoxification + stimulation also positively affects the associated organs, restoring inner balance and reducing your overall toxic load. On top of this, tongue scraping can also work to enhance your taste and improve your digestion by promoting a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth and gut. Dental professionals prefer the design of our stainless steel tongue scraper, as it uses 100% medical-grade stainless steel and has smooth, rounded edges. It also has a unique one-handed design, so it’s very easy to maneuver (this is extremely important for a movement that occurs very close to your gag reflex). If you want to start your new year off on the freshest possible note, add our tongue scraper to your oral care routine. Trust us, you’ll feel a difference right away. other important players We can’t talk about holistic oral health without mentioning diet, mindset, and stress. All of these factors play a huge underlying role in the state of your oral and overall health. diet: It can be easy to see how diet impacts your oral health, as your mouth is responsible for chewing and swallowing. It’s no secret that starchy, sugary foods have more of a negative impact on your teeth, while more protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods can improve your oral health. We recommend brushing up on this food guide article written by Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD. mindest: your mindset can play an important role in the success of your oral care routine. In an industry that’s been dominated by the same big brands (and ingredients) for decades, it can feel uncomfortable to question these norms and embrace new habits and ingredients. For example, maybe it feels weird to try tongue scraping instead of simply brushing your tongue. Maybe it feels intimidating to switch to hydroxyapatite when you’ve used fluoride for so long. We understand how uncomfortable it can be to change your habits, but we want to encourage you to remain open-minded and follow the science. stress: when it comes to oral care, stress might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But let’s check in: are you clenching your jaw right now? Do you wake up with tension headaches or a tight jaw? Clenching your jaw due to stress can have a huge impact on your oral health. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to things like dry mouth, which is a huge risk factor for gum disease and tooth decay. We invite you to take a deep breath, embrace mindfulness, explore meditation, and cultivate a mouth-friendly diet in the new year. All of these things can take your oral and overall health to new heights. make 2024 a fresh start The Davids essential bundle includes our bamboo toothbrush, sensitive+whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and stainless steel tongue scraper for 20% off. Just add our brand-new expanding dental floss to the mix (and maybe a travel size toothpaste or two), and you have the perfect holistic oral care routine to start 2024 on the freshest possible note. From the Davids family to yours, Happy New Year! buy now.
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all you need to know to feel good about xylitol in toothpaste
With so much gossip floating around about sugar substitutes, we don’t blame you if you feel a bit overwhelmed and confused. When it comes to toothpaste, these sweeteners have always played a critical role. After all, you want your toothpaste to taste perfectly sweet....yet you know sugar is an infamous culprit when it comes to tooth decay. How can you achieve that perfect balance of a tasty toothpaste that’s actually good for your long term oral health? In our book, the answer is xylitol. Not only is this plant-based sweetener just as sweet as sugar, but it has some incredible (scientifically documented) benefits when it comes to your oral health. To help you feel extra confident and comfortable about the idea of xylitol in toothpaste, we’re diving into the nitty gritty of this incredible ingredient. What is it? Where does it come from? Is it safe? Let’s find out. what is xylitol? Xylitol (pronounced zai · luh · taal) is a natural sweetener derived from plants + known for its sweet taste and ability to fight bad bacteria and tooth decay. It does so by enhancing saliva production and “starving” harmful bacteria (namely, Streptococcus mutans) in your mouth. Xylitol was first discovered in 1891, but it didn’t gain popularity until World War II when Finland needed it to replace all the sugar that was going towards war efforts. Once the war ended and they resumed regular sugar consumption, Finland noticed that tooth decay was on the rise. This inspired them to examine xylitol, and in the 70s, they discovered that those who consumed xylitol instead of sugar experienced drastically less tooth decay! This sparked even more interest in the many benefits of xylitol in toothpaste. is xylitol safe? First things first, xylitol is an FDA-approved food additive, meaning it’s safe to eat (and of course, to brush with)! Research shows that xylitol is safe for long-term consumption, so you don’t have to worry about over consuming. Some people report that consuming high volumes of xylitol in your diet can lead to digestive discomfort, so we recommend testing the waters before jumping in with xylitol-filled foods. When it comes to xylitol in toothpaste, it’s safe to say you’re getting the incredible benefits without any of the side effects (assuming you’re not eating the whole tube). One thing to note is that xylitol is not safe for dogs, so be sure to keep your xylitol toothpaste away from your furry friends! the benefits of xylitol Now that we know its history, let’s dive into some of the many benefits of xylitol in toothpaste. it fights bad bacteria: as we mentioned, research shows that xylitol “starves” bad bacteria, in turn working to minimize plaque buildup, treat bad breath, neutralize your mouth’s pH, and prevent tooth decay. it helps maintain microbiome balance: xylitol is a prebiotic, which means it actually feeds the good bacteria as it simultaneously starves the bad bacteria. This helps to nurture a healthy bacterial balance in your mouth and gut microbiomes...which are both extremely important for your overall health. This ability makes xylitol a very unique sweetener, as most sugars do the opposite (feed the bad, starve the good). it prevents dry mouth: xylitol has a refreshing cooling sensation that immediately stimulates your salivary glands. This enhanced saliva flow helps to prevent dry mouth and (again) keep bacteria from wreaking havoc on your gums, tongue, and enamel. it reduces inflammation: xylitol works to lower inflammation in your mouth, gut, and entire body by inhibiting the production of cytokines (small proteins that trigger your body’s inflammatory response). This is great news for your entire immune system! As one of the only sugar substitutes that truly tastes as sweet as sugar, you can find xylitol in toothpaste (like Davids), mouthwash, breath mints, chewing gum, baked goods, gummy vitamins, some nut butters, and so much more. When it comes to the benefits of xylitol in toothpaste, research shows that frequency and consistency of use are extremely important. Daily brushing with Davids is one of the easiest and most effective ways to add xylitol into your daily routine and experience all of its amazing benefits. Davids, the best xylitol toothpaste All of our toothpaste formulas contain xylitol to nourish your oral microbiome. Unlike many other companies out there who derive their xylitol from corn and beets, we source our xylitol from birch trees that grow right here in the USA (the best option for you and the environment). That’s one of many reasons we call Davids the best xylitol toothpaste. Our xylitol toothpaste works with our other intentional ingredients (like vegetable glycerin, gentle micro-abrasives, premium peppermint oil, and hydroxyapatite) to reduce inflammation in your mouth, exfoliate your teeth, prevent dry mouth, fight bad bacteria, freshen your breath, whiten your smile, and remineralize your enamel….all without disrupting your delicate oral microbiome. When you combine our premium xylitol with nano-hydroxyapatite (as we do in our sensitive+whitening toothpaste), the result is a remineralizing dream team unlike any other. These two amazing ingredients work together to balance your oral microbiome and remineralize your enamel for strong, bright, and healthy teeth. As xylitol starves the bad bacteria in your mouth and stimulates saliva production, it acts as “transportation” for the nano-hydroxyapatite particles. This allows those n-ha particles to reach the corners and crevices of your mouth, delivering essential minerals to weakened (sensitive) areas of your teeth to remineralize them. Together, xylitol and hydroxyapatite penetrate your enamel to strengthen damaged and weakened layers to help slow/stop the progression of tooth decay. Teamwork makes the (remineralizing) dream work.buy now.
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gifts that go the extra smile, with travel size toothpaste for your holiday adventures
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are full of love and laughter, and we want to make sure you and your loved ones feel your absolute best with a bright shining smile. In the spirit of the season, we’ve curated a healthy and holistic oral care gift guide featuring our favorite products + our travel size toothpaste, so you can stay fresh and healthy no matter where the holidays take you. It may be the season of giving, but we don’t want you to forget to take care of yourself! prepare for holiday trips Davids travel size toothpaste We hope to make your holiday travel plans smoother with our travel size toothpaste. These small-but-mighty (TSA-compliant) tubes come in three of our incredible formulas, each one with its own unique set of benefits. peppermint: you can’t go wrong with Davids classic peppermint formula. (Also, ‘tis the season for peppermint!) It works to whiten your teeth, fight plaque buildup, and freshen your breath with premium natural peppermint oil. Unlike its conventional counterparts, our peppermint toothpaste is free of SLS (a chemical foaming agent that commonly causes allergic reactions) and fluoride (for those of you who are rightly concerned about its full-body impacts). charcoal+peppermint: charcoal is the only kind of coal we want this holiday season, as it adds additional whitening capabilities to our original peppermint formula. Our coconut charcoal is safe on your enamel, so you can be sure it’s whitening gently without doing any harm. nano-hydroxyapatite (n-ha): you can think of n-ha as your sensitivity superhero ingredient, as it works meticulously to bond to your enamel and remineralize any “holes,” deficiencies, or imperfections that might be causing your sensitivity. Our hydroxyapatite takes a root-cause approach, relieving sensitivity at the source....even during your busiest travel season. Not to mention, all of these little tubes are made of infinitely recyclable aluminum, so you can feel good about the fact that you’re not contributing to the 1.5 billion plastic toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills every year. So, now that you’ve got your toothpaste travel companions sorted out, it’s time to make sure you show up to your holiday gatherings bearing mouth-healthy gifts! give the gift of a bright, healthy smile These oral care gifts are perfect for your wellness-loving friends, future brides and grooms, or anyone you know who’s looking to elevate their oral care routine! These gifts can also serve as a great reminder to prioritize self-care, especially for those people who tend to put their needs last. the Davids essential bundle While our travel size toothpaste makes the perfect stocking stuffer, our essentials bundle makes for the perfect well-rounded gift. It includes our... hydroxyapatite toothpaste: as we mentioned above, our hydroxyapatite toothpaste is your sensitivity superhero. In the essentials bundle, you get the full-sized tube, giving you a bigger dose of sensitivity relief and effective teeth whitening. bamboo toothbrush: our bamboo toothbrush is the perfect gift for those looking to cut back on plastic in their daily routine. The handle is made from 100% natural bamboo, and the bristles are high-performance + soft, derived from castor oil (not petroleum like many others). stainless steel tongue scraper: dental professionals prefer the unique one-handed design of our tongue scraper, and we know your loved ones will too. It’s constructed from stainless steel, so it’s soft on your tongue...and also dishwasher safe. When you buy this dream team as part of our essentials bundle, you’ll save 20% on the total cost. safe dental floss If you know someone who simply can’t get into flossing, a fresh new dental floss might be exactly what they need to cement the habit. Our newly launched Davids floss is meticulously crafted for peak performance, which can take some of the common frustrations out of flossing. Our floss is woven with 250+ strong but soft fibers, so it won’t tear as you go. It’s also coated with a smooth wax infused with cocoa butter and hydroxyapatite, which work together to repel plaque and remineralize your enamel in those hard-to-reach places. Unlike conventional floss, ours is free of harmful PFAS, making it a safe dental floss for you and your loved ones. natural mouthwash Natural mouthwash is the perfect gift for those looking to take freshness one step further. Most mouthwashes on the market are formulated with alcohol, chemical dyes, artificial sweeteners, and harmful bleaching agents. They’re made to completely wipe out the bacteria in your mouth, ignoring the fact that some of those bacteria are actually beneficial. But our natural mouthwash (launching in the new year!) is free of all those harmful additives. It’s fortified with xylitol, hydroxyapatite, vegetable glycerin, baking soda, and natural mint flavors. These amazing ingredients work together to enhance saliva flow (reducing symptoms of dry mouth), stabilize the pH of your mouth, reduce bad bacteria, strengthen your enamel, and freshen your breath. Sounds pretty amazing right? Until the launch of our natural mouthwash, we recommend _______. PAP teeth whitening In case you haven’t heard this from us already, PAP teeth whitening is the peroxide-free future of teeth whitening. Many of the whitening methods out there utilize hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Although these chemical bleaching agents are effective, they usually result in sensitivity and discomfort. This is because they release free radicals (harmful atoms) as they work, damaging the sensitive cells and tissues in your oral microbiome and wearing down your enamel. PAP (phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), on the other hand, whitens without releasing free radicals. Whitening products formulated with PAP also typically include hydroxyapatite, the sensitivity superhero ingredient we keep shouting out in this article. With PAP, you can give the gift of a white smile without the harmful side effects. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement from us about PAP teeth whitening in the new year! But until then, you can gift (and stock up on) our sensitive+whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste for a daily dose of healthy whitening. Buy Your Premium Toothpaste Now.
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is teeth whitening safe? why you should swap peroxides for PAP teeth whitening
With so many teeth whitening products that immediately cause sensitivity, burning, and bleeding, it’s no wonder many people are asking: is teeth whitening safe? The conventional teeth whitening industry we know today has been dominated by peroxides for decades. The first peroxide-based whitening formulas were crafted back in 1960, and we feel that they haven’t been explored or questioned nearly enough in the last six decades. While these chemical whitening agents are known to get the job done, it’s no secret that they can cause some damage in the process. So, we’re covering some of the reasons peroxides cause so much discomfort while they whiten. We’re also going to discuss some natural teeth whitening alternatives that are starting to steal the spotlight from old formulas full of peroxides and fluoride. These cutting-edge whitening alternatives fuse PAP, an organic acid known for its whitening capabilities, and hydroxyapatite, your newest remineralizing superhero ingredient. Together, these two innovative ingredients work to whiten and brighten your smile without causing discomfort and long-term damage. In fact, they do the opposite by strengthening your teeth to nurture long term oral and overall health. So, without further ado, let’s dive into some ways you can make your whitening routine safer and gentler on your oral microbiome. is teeth whitening safe? Generally speaking, teeth whitening is safe, but there are potential risks. When using these products at home (especially conventional whitening products formulated with peroxides), it can be easy to misuse or overuse the product. We know it’s tempting to think that whitening more often might lead to an even brighter smile, but overuse can lead to some pretty unpleasant side effects. When it comes to answering the question, “Is teeth whitening safe?,” we recommend listening to your mouth. It will tell you when whitening is doing more harm than good through increased sensitivity, gum irritation, bleeding, and more. If it hurts to simply bite down after your whitening session, it might not be too safe after all. No matter what, we recommend consulting with your dentist before you start a new teeth whitening routine! the problem with peroxides Now you might be wondering why some whitening products immediately cause sensitivity and irritation, while others don’t. This has a lot to do with the concentration of peroxides (hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) in the product. Peroxides are the main bleaching agent in conventional whitening products, and it’s no secret that they get the whitening job done. But at what cost? For years, peroxides have been known to cause complications such as sensitivity, enamel erosion, gum irritation, bleeding, sores, and beyond. There’s a reason peroxide-based whitening products come with thorough instructions: keep the product from touching your gums, don’t let it sit on your teeth for too long, don’t use it too often, do not swallow, etc. To no surprise, many countries have placed restrictions and bans on peroxide-based products. The EU and Canada both have strict concentration limits, while Japan has completely banned hydrogen peroxide in cosmetics. If the product is paired with so many warnings and regulations around the world, is it truly safe? Don’t worry, we’re not saying you have to ditch teeth whitening altogether, but there is a gentler, natural alternative to peroxides: PAP teeth whitening. our preferred method, natural teeth whitening PAP teeth whitening is the more natural alternative to peroxide-based products. PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) is an organic acid that promotes bleaching, and it does so without releasing the same harmful atoms that peroxides do. These harmful atoms, aka free radicals, can cause damage to your mouth’s cells and tissues. If you move your tongue around your mouth, it’s easy to feel that there’s a lot of soft, cushy tissue all over. These cells and tissues are prone to irritation and inflammation, so we want to make sure we’re using products that are gentle and safe. Peroxides are also known to wear down your enamel and cause irritation and inflammation, which is why they cause so much sensitivity even after one use. Unlike peroxides, PAP teeth whitening products are often fortified with hydroxyapatite, an amazing ingredient that already exists in your enamel and works to remineralize it from the inside out. With help from hydroxyapatite, PAP teeth whitening methods actually work to strengthen your enamel, not wear it down. This reduces the risk of sensitivity and nurtures your oral health in the long run! With PAP you don’t have to deal with painful sensitivity right after a whitening session, so you can proudly and comfortably show off your bright white smile! how hydroxyapatite can help In addition to PAP teeth whitening products that are formulated with hydroxyapatite, you can get a daily dose of hydroxyapatite with our sensitive + whitening toothpaste. It’s made with amazing ingredients that work to fight tooth decay, reverse enamel damage, nourish your gums, relieve sensitivity, freshen your breath, and whiten your teeth! Gentle abrasives such as calcium carbonate and hydrated silica work to safely whiten and polish your teeth, while xylitol and baking soda work to kill bad bacteria and neutralize plaque-forming acids. Then, nano-hydroxyapatite particles bind to your enamel on a microscopic level, remineralizing damaged areas from the inside out to reduce decay and relieve sensitivity. Sounds like a pretty incredible whitening and remineralizing dream team, right? Until we make a special announcement about some new natural teeth whitening products, we encourage you to stock up on hydroxyapatite toothpaste for your brightest, strongest smile yet! buy now.
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does mouthwash work? how natural mouthwash wipes out the competition
Do you ever feel like your brushing, flossing, and tongue-scraping routine isn’t quite enough? We know how it feels to crave the cleanest, freshest mouth you can possibly achieve. You don’t want to be left with any lingering roughness, smelliness, or general “not quite clean enough” feeling after your oral care routine. So you decide you’re going to add mouthwash into the mix. When you commit to adding another product to your daily routine, it can feel daunting! You’re immediately overwhelmed with questions in your head. Does mouthwash work? Does it do more harm than good? Wait, doesn’t it burn? That can’t be good, can it? We completely understand and want to give you the tools and knowledge to feel 100% confident in your oral care routine. Part of that confidence involves knowing that your oral care routine is good for your entire body, and we’re committed to providing you with natural products that fit the bill. And you guessed it, natural mouthwash might very well be in our future. In celebration of this exciting addition, let’s discuss the nitty-gritty of mouthwash: how it works, the potential benefits, the harms that can come with conventional mouthwash products, and all the reasons natural mouthwash wipes out the competition. does mouthwash work? There’s no simple answer to this question, but if we had to pick one answer, it would be: yes, mouthwash works....but you have to keep a few things in mind. Mouthwash cannot work alone. It will not get you very far if you’re not flossing daily, brushing twice daily with effective toothpaste (hello, Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste), tongue scraping, and following a mouth-friendly diet. These things can work together with mouthwash to reduce bacteria and plaque to reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health complications. It really matters which mouthwash you choose. We’ll be the first to tell you that the conventional “kills 99.9% of germs” mouthwash is not the same as a holistic natural mouthwash formulated with gentle, fortifying ingredients. We’ll cover this more in the following section. It’s critical to keep up with your dental visits. When was the last time you went to the dentist? If enough plaque has built up in your mouth between visits, it’s likely hardened into tartar. If that’s the case, you’ll want to visit your dentist for a routine checkup and deep cleaning. Otherwise, your daily efforts to clean your teeth will always leave you feeling like you’re not doing enough. Now that we’ve covered those caveats, how does mouthwash work? Well, as a liquid, mouthwash can reach corners of your mouth that brushing and flossing can’t always reach. By swishing with mouthwash, you can deliver antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients to hard-to-reach parts of your mouth, while also providing your teeth with an extra coating/dose of remineralizing ingredients (such as hydroxyapatite). As a result, mouthwash can reveal a healthier, stronger, and whiter smile! That being said, certain aspects of conventional mouthwash aren’t so sparkly, so let’s dive into those. the not-so-clean sides of conventional mouthwash Many conventional mouthwash products have the goal of completely wiping out the bacteria (and other organisms) in your mouth. This sounds tempting, but the truth is that our mouths need some of these organisms to thrive. After all, there is such a thing as good bacteria. To accomplish this, many of these products contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals that can actually do some damage to your delicate oral microbiome. alcohol: found in most conventional mouthwash products, alcohol can cause that burning, stinging, dry mouth sensation after a few uses. chlorine dioxide: many companies will add this antibacterial bleaching agent to their formulas, although the CDC has classified it as a hazardous ingredient. poloxamer 407: this synthetic detergent is known to alter blood flow in animal tests, but we don’t actually know how it affects human health (which, to us, is a good enough reason to keep it out of mouthwash). dyes: you’ve probably seen that most mouthwash products on the shelf are a pretty blue, green, or purple color....thanks to chemical dyes. These dyes can be harmful to your overall health and could actually stain your teeth in the long run. artificial flavors: these unnatural flavors, such as benzoic acid, may not be safe to ingest or use in high concentrations....both of which are concerning when it comes to highly concentrated mouthwash you might use every single day. When it comes to chemical mouthwash products, we feel that the risks outweigh the rewards. That’s why we’ve been on a mission to discover (and share) a natural mouthwash alternative that can provide all the amazing potential benefits of mouthwash....without the dirty downsides. Let’s talk about it! the wonders of natural mouthwash Natural mouthwash contains all of the benefits listed above, while it avoids the not-so-clean aspects of conventional mouthwash. The goal of natural mouthwash is to nurture your oral microbiome without compromising your overall health....a holistic approach we can get behind!Natural mouthwash is: free of harmful ingredients: not only is natural mouthwash flavored with delicious pure essential oils, it’s also formulated with safe, natural, and effective ingredients. In other words, it does not include the alcohol, dyes, detergents, and bleaches you might find in conventional mouthwash. It’s also free of SLS and fluoride, two ingredients that have been under close watch recently....and for good reason. balancing for your oral microbiome: natural mouthwash takes a root cause approach! Instead of completely wiping out all of the organisms in your mouth, it works to balance the bacteria in your mouth to restore your mouth to a healthy pH and improve bad breath, gum discomfort, plaque, and more in the process. fortified with hydroxyapatite and xylitol: we mentioned that natural mouthwash typically avoids fluoride. In place of this questionable ingredient, many natural mouthwash products are fortified with hydroxyapatite. This remineralizing ingredient, which already makes up most of your teeth and bones, works to repair your enamel, strengthen it from the inside out, and reduce sensitivity and tooth decay in the process. Much like our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, natural mouthwash often contains both hydroxyapatite and xylitol, which work together as a remineralizing and whitening dream team. naturally whitening: with natural mouthwash, you don’t have to sacrifice the long-term health of your mouth to achieve a bright white smile. By reducing bacteria and plaque while remineralizing your enamel from the inside out, natural mouthwash has the potential to reveal your whitest, most radiant smile. With natural mouthwash, there’s no more burning, stinging, or itching required to reap all of the amazing rewards of mouthwash. Can you tell we’re excited about it? There’s a reason for that, and all we can say for now is....stay tuned for a new Davids product launch! In the meantime, we encourage you to stock up on your favorite natural oral care products to ensure your routine is top-notch. buy now.
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why does flossing hurt? five common causes and their Davids-powered solutions
Have you ever asked yourself, “Why does flossing hurt? How can people tolerate it every single day?” We hear you. Even when flossing doesn’t hurt, it’s not exactly fun. When it hurts, it’s so tempting to throw it out the window altogether. But we’re here to remind you that flossing is essential for your long-term oral health, and if it hurts every time you do it, your mouth is trying to tell you something. What message is it sending? Let’s do a little digging to find out. 1: you’re not flossing enough This one might sound contradictory. If flossing hurts, shouldn’t you stop doing it? Not always. When flossing hurts and causes your gums to bleed, it might be a sign that you’re not flossing often enough. How do you know if flossing is hurting because of infrequency vs. a true oral issue such as gum disease? Here are a couple of important questions to ask yourself. Is flossing a new habit for me? If so, it’s likely that your gums and teeth simply aren’t used to it yet. After about a week, it should stop causing bleeding and feel relatively painless. If you’re a long-time flosser, and your gums begin to bleed and feel sore out of nowhere, it’s likely a deeper issue that you’ll need to run by your dentist. When my gums bleed after flossing, does the bleeding stop quickly? If the answer is yes, then keep at it....your gums should get used to flossing in no time. If the bleeding persists, you might have some level of tartar buildup, gum disease, or both that require a professional exam. If the issue is gum disease or another oral issue, your dentist will be able to remove tartar buildup, give your teeth and gums a deep clean, and recommend treatment steps. 2: you haven’t mastered how to floss / you don’t have the best floss In our previous article, we cover exactly how to floss, revealing pro tips for a smooth flossing experience. One of our top tips involves forming a U-shape with the floss around each tooth. This allows you to hug the tooth’s surface without having to place all of your downward force on your gums. This way, you can remove as much plaque as possible (on the front, back, and sides of your tooth’s surface) without causing damage and bleeding on your gum line. If you feel like you’ve already nailed down your flossing technique, it might be time to ask yourself if you’re treating your mouth to the best floss or not. Many of the big-brand flosses out there are crafted with Teflon-based threads, which can sometimes feel too “hard” on your gums and also introduce PFAS (harmful chemicals) into your mouth. On the other hand, many plant-based flosses rip apart the moment you start using them. In our book, these options don’t win the award for best dental floss. In other words, if your dental floss is not carefully crafted for performance, it could be the reason you experience pain and bleeding (or frustration) after flossing. You can smile brighter knowing that the soon-to-launch Davids floss is meticulously designed for performance. It’s woven with hundreds of soft (yet gently scrubby) threads....and coated in smooth wax infused with cocoa butter and nano hydroxyapatite. As the wax allows the floss to glide smoothly between your teeth, the cocoa butter works to repel plaque and the nano hydroxyapatite particles help to remineralize your enamel (in those hard-to-reach crevices). Not to mention, our floss is free of harmful PFAS, making it a safe dental floss for your whole family. 3: you have tightly-spaced teeth Do you feel like flossing is so much harder for you compared to everyone around you? You might have tighter teeth! But don’t worry, with proper technique and the best floss, you can reach those tight spaces without having to jam the floss into your gums. Our high-performance floss is woven with numerous threads, so it can compress, adapt to your teeth, and squeeze into those tight crevices without ripping. Keep an eye out for our carefully crafted + safe dental floss. It’s made to adapt to all mouths, even those with tight teeth! 4: you might have gum disease If you floss and the bleeding, redness, and discomfort linger for a long time, gum disease might be the culprit. There are different stages of gum disease, and sometimes the beginning stages aren’t so obvious. You might notice lingering redness and inflammation on your gum line. You might also experience bad breath, feel a rough tartar coating on your teeth, or notice “pockets” forming around your teeth. With gum disease, you don’t want to just continue flossing and hope the pain subsides. It’s essential to get your gums checked out by a dentist, so you can start to follow a treatment plan to get back on track. Once resolved, it’s so important to diligently keep up with your oral care routine....making time for flossing with the best dental floss (Davids), brushing with premium toothpaste, tongue scraping, and even swishing with natural mouthwash to keep your gums healthy and strong. 5: you struggle with sensitive teeth Do you feel like the pain from flossing is originating from your teeth rather than your gums? Do you also feel tooth pain when you eat hot or cold foods? Sensitivity might be the cause. Experts estimate that 1 in 8 Americans experience tooth sensitivity, so just know you’re not alone if you experience an ache when brushing and flossing. If you feel mild sensitivity during your oral care routine, Davids hydroxyapatite toothpaste and hydroxyapatite floss can provide daily relief (which we’ll cover in the next section). However, if you’ve experienced severe sensitivity over a long period, we strongly encourage you to visit your dentist and explore different treatment plans. don’t worry, Davids can help There are multiple reasons why flossing might be painful, but with our recent launch of innovative floss, addressing this discomfort has never been easier. Our commitment to simple, natural, and accessible oral care solutions is evident in our product range, meticulously developed to enhance your dental regimen. remove plaque: our antiplaque formulas are packed with gentle, abrasive ingredients designed to 'exfoliate' persistent plaque and bacteria without damaging your enamel. By integrating the use of our toothpaste into your routine, you pave the way for a safer and healthier flossing experience while safeguarding against tooth decay and gum disease. soothe sensitivity: for those with sensitive teeth, our sensitive+whitening hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a game-changer. Lab tests confirm its ability to remineralize enamel and reduce sensitivity swiftly, making flossing a more comfortable endeavor. And now, our hydroxyapatite floss further extends these benefits, delivering revolutionary minerals into the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, alleviating sensitivity from all angles. With the introduction of our high-performance floss, we at Davids are excited to support your journey towards a smoother and more comfortable flossing routine, alongside our celebrated premium toothpaste, bamboo toothbrush, and professional stainless steel tongue scraper. Buy Your Premium Toothpaste Now.
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