FEEL BETTER, FOREVER
Our co-founder, Vladimir Vukicevic, shares the personal journey that led him to launch Better & Better with a big ambition.
OUR FOUNDING TEAM
Vladimir VukicevicCo-founder & CEO
"Long before clean and organic products were accessible, I recognized the need for products that are better for our health. With Better & Better, I set out to create products that make it easy to improve your habits and health."
Mary CostaCo-founder & Marketing Advisor
"Ditching traditional oral care decades ago transformed my oral health-I love that Better & Better is taking it to the next level by optimizing foundational habits with a focus on whole-body health and earth-friendly choices."
Jerry HuCo-founder & COO
"With years of experience in consumer goods and food & beverage supply chain, l'm passionate about creating high-quality products for our health, while being responsible to the planet.
Step-by-step, we're making the best choices today, and better tomorrow."
OUR PURPOSE, OUR PROMISE:BETTER FOR YOU, BETTER FOR THE PLANET
OUT WITH THE BAD
From toxins and harsh soaps to polluting plastics, oral care was long overdue for an upgrade. You don’t need harsh ingredients for a healthy smile, so we said no to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), fluoride, parabens, GMOs, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives—forever.
IN WITH THE BETTER
Better means simple, safe, science-backed oral health essentials that support whole-body health. Our dentist-approved formulas are 100% vegan with clean ingredients you recognize.
& BETTER FOR THE PLANET
To minimize our impact on the planet, we prioritize earth-friendly materials and natural ingredients, ensuring our products and packaging are better for the planet. We meet the strictest EWG (Environmental Working Group) standards and package in recyclable, eco-friendly materials to eliminate waste.
Even better—every subscription purchased results in a tree planted by One Tree Planted: a non-profit committed to global reforestation.
OUR RESIDENT EXPERTS
Our resident doctors, nutritionists, and scientists guide our approaches to cutting-edge research and product innovation.
Dr. Buddhadev Paul ChaudhuriyPhD, Biomedical Electrical Engineer
The CEO and Co-founder of Keylika, a startup developing metallodrugs to treat unmet medical needs. He has a PhD with a specialization in biomedical microsystems, focused on transdermal drug delivery devices.
Lisa WindfieldCertified High Performance Coach
With a background in holistic health and meditation, she also coaches with Tony Robbins and leads meditations and training for companies such as the Boston Consulting Group.
Dr. Mark NeveuPhD, Environmental Toxicology& Experimental Oncology
Dr. Neveu develops and commercializes innovative, clean label delivery systems that support a healthy microbiome. His work has resulted in well over 50 drugs, biologics, and natural health product formulations that have been commercialized for 20 years.
Dr. Jaclyn TomsicMD, DMD, FACS, Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
A board-certified Oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMF) based out of Cleveland, OH, Dr. Tomsic is qualified oral health expert trained to treat conditions, defects, injuries, and esthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaw, and face.
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Is Mouthwash Bad For You? 5 Reasons to Reconsider
There’s nothing quite like that post-mouthwash burn—that tingly sensation that makes you feel like you’ve just exorcised every germ from your mouth. Feels clean, right? Well, not so fast. Despite its reputation as an essential step in oral hygiene, mouthwash isn’t necessarily the hero product you’ve been led to believe. Sure, it freshens breath and kills bacteria, but at what cost? Some formulas can disrupt your oral microbiome, cause sensitivity, and even stain your teeth. Before you tip back another shot of antiseptic mint, let’s take a closer look at what mouthwash is actually doing to your mouth—and whether you really need it. Is Mouthwash Bad For You? Mouthwash isn’t bad for you in the same way that drinking soda or skipping floss is. But it’s not exactly harmless, either. While some dentists recommend mouthwash for specific concerns—like gingivitis or post-surgical care—using it daily as a cure-all for bad breath and cavities might not be doing you any favors. Many conventional mouthwashes contain alcohol and antibacterial agents that wipe out both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Your mouth has its own ecosystem, known as the oral microbiome, which plays a crucial role in keeping your breath fresh, breaking down food, and protecting your enamel. Overusing mouthwash can throw this delicate balance out of whack, leading to irritation, sensitivity, and even increased risk of cavities. Not to mention, mouthwash is often used as a band-aid solution for deeper issues like dry mouth, a poor diet, or inadequate brushing and flossing. Instead of masking problems with a minty rinse, you’re better off tackling the root causes of bad breath and cavities. 5 Potential Drawbacks of Mouthwash Let’s break down the top five ways mouthwash might be doing more harm than good. 1. Oral Microbiome Disruption Not all bacteria are bad. In fact, some of the bacteria in your mouth help protect against cavities, break down food, and maintain fresh breath. Alcohol-based mouthwashes are designed to kill germs—but they don’t discriminate. When you regularly wipe out your microbiome, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, leaving you more vulnerable to bad breath and dental issues in the long run. 2. Increased Sensitivity Ever feel a sharp zing in your teeth after using mouthwash? That’s because many formulas contain alcohol, which can dry out the mouth and strip away your saliva’s natural protective properties. Saliva plays a key role in neutralizing acids and keeping your enamel strong. Without it, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet foods. 3. Tooth Staining Ironically, some mouthwashes can actually stain your teeth over time. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a common antibacterial agent in mouthwash, has been linked to brown or yellow discoloration on teeth—definitely not the “clean” look most people are going for. 4. Allergic Reactions Certain ingredients in mouthwash, like artificial dyes and flavoring agents, can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms range from mild irritation to full-blown contact dermatitis inside the mouth. If you’ve ever noticed redness, burning, or peeling after using mouthwash, it might be time to reconsider your rinse. 5. Increased Blood Pressure Some research suggests that frequent use of antibacterial mouthwash can actually raise blood pressure. This is because mouthwash kills nitric oxide-producing bacteria in the mouth—bacteria that help relax blood vessels and regulate circulation. If you’re already managing high blood pressure, you might want to rethink your mouthwash habit. How to Maintain Your Oral Health Without Mouthwash You don’t need mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and your teeth healthy. A strong oral care routine that focuses on preventing issues (rather than masking them) will do a much better job at keeping your mouth in top shape. Use a Vitamin Mouth Spray Instead of swishing alcohol-based mouthwash, try a vitamin-infused oral spray like Balance. Packed with zinc and B12, this multifunctional mist helps moisturize your mouth, fight dry mouth, and freshen breath—all without disrupting your oral microbiome. Plus, it tastes like refreshing cucumber mint, so you still get that clean-mouth feeling without the burn. Brush with Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste If you want to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities, ditch the fluoride mouthwash and switch to Fortify. This toothpaste is powered by hydroxyapatite, a non-toxic, fluoride alternative that naturally rebuilds and protects your teeth. Hydroxyapatite has been widely used in Japan and Europe for decades, and studies show it’s just as effective (if not more) than fluoride at preventing cavities. Floss Every Day Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth—something mouthwash can’t do. If you want to prevent bad breath and gum disease, flossing is a non-negotiable step in your routine. Use a Tongue Scraper A lot of bad breath bacteria live on your tongue. Instead of rinsing with alcohol-based mouthwash, try using a tongue scraper to physically remove odor-causing bacteria. It’s simple, effective, and far better for your oral microbiome. Stay Hydrated Dry mouth is one of the biggest contributors to bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your body produce enough saliva to naturally wash away bacteria and keep your breath fresh—no mouthwash needed. Mouthwash: Essential or Just Extra? Mouthwash isn’t the villain of oral care, but it’s also not the essential product it’s often made out to be. While it can be useful in specific situations, it’s not a substitute for good habits like brushing, flossing, and staying hydrated. If you love that fresh, just-rinsed feeling, opt for a gentle, microbiome-friendly alternative like Balance Vitamin Mouth Spray or Fortify Toothpaste. Your mouth (and your good bacteria) will thank you.
Floss Picks vs. Regular Floss: How to Choose
The big question isn’t whether you should floss your teeth regularly—it’s what type of dental floss you should use. Here's how to choose between floss picks and regular floss.
Ask the Dentist: What Happens If You Don’t Floss Your Teeth?
Forgetting to floss might not seem like a big deal, especially if your teeth look and feel fine. But falling behind on your routine could raise your risk for health conditions that are way worse than bad breath. See what Dr. Rashi, our resident dentist, says about the risks in our latest blog.
How to Choose the Best Kids Toothbrush: Small Smiles, Big Decisions
While you’re busy perfecting the art of getting your little one to keep their toothbrush in their mouth instead of turning it into a drumstick, let’s talk about something equally important: the toothbrush itself.
Hydroxyapatite vs. Fluoride: Everything You Need to Know
Fluoride may have been the gold standard for oral care since the 1950s, but it’s safe to say we’ve learned a thing or two since then. Enter hydroxyapatite.
How Mouth Breathing Impacts Oral Health (and What You Can Do About It)
Mouth breathing is more common than you think. But it can take a toll on your oral health, contributing to issues like dry mouth, bad breath, and more.
Should You Worry About Carrageenan In Your Toothpaste?
Carrageenan has been known to cause intestinal inflammation and digestive problems, especially for folks with sensitive stomachs. So, why do so many toothpaste brands put this stuff in their products?
5 Ways Your Oral Health Impacts Your Sleep
Getting a good night's sleep starts with a good oral care routine. Dr. Jacci shares 5 ways taking care of your teeth can help you catch some Zs.
