My name is Vladimir Vukicevic.
I am the CEO and co-founder of Better & Better.
At Better and Better, our mission is to weave well-being and longevity into everyday habits. Our first product embodies this vision: a toothpaste that not only cleans your teeth but also delivers essential micronutrients directly through brushing. No swallowing, no pills—just two minutes of brushing, and your body absorbs vital nutrients.
The first nutrient we focus on is Vitamin D, crucial for overall health. Our ultimate goal is a world where taking care of your health seamlessly integrates into your daily routine—no pills, no complicated regimens—just better health through simple habits.
Next human: Can you tell us more about how you identified the connection between oral health and overall health, particularly for longevity?
Oral health has traditionally been about either treating cavities or enhancing aesthetics—clean, white teeth. But in recent years, research has revealed the broader impact oral health has on the entire body. Studies link oral health to conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and digestive issues.
The science lies in the oral microbiome—a complex ecosystem of good and bad bacteria, nutrients, and other elements. This microbiome directly impacts the gut microbiome and influences systems throughout the body. Essentially, your health begins with your mouth.
As an entrepreneur who’s built businesses from scratch, I’ve personally experienced the consequences of neglecting oral health during demanding times. That led me to create Better and Better: a product line designed to enhance both oral and overall health in a sustainable, easy-to-use way.
Next human: How does your toothpaste go beyond traditional oral hygiene? What makes it effective for overall well-being?
Developing our toothpaste took over two years. We started by studying the ingredients in mainstream and natural toothpastes, and what we found was alarming. Many contain harmful chemicals like titanium dioxide (a paint ingredient) and sodium lauryl sulfate (an industrial soap).
Our first step was removing these harmful substances and replacing them with natural, safe alternatives like coconut oil, baking soda, and radish root. These organic, food-grade ingredients ensure our toothpaste does no harm.
Once we perfected this clean formula, we introduced functional benefits—adding nutrients like Vitamin D and Zinc. The unique challenge was ensuring these nutrients could be absorbed within the typical brushing time of 1–2 minutes. We succeeded, creating a formula that supports both oral and full-body health.
Next human: What role does the oral microbiome play in longevity, and why isn’t it discussed more in the sector?
The oral microbiome is critical for overall health. Two key connections stand out:
- Brain Health: The mouth is directly connected to the brain through blood vessels and the blood-brain barrier. Dysfunction in the oral microbiome can lead to inflammation that contributes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Heart Health: The oral microbiome is also linked to cardiovascular health. Infections or imbalances can lead to plaque build-up in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
The mouth is the gateway to the gut microbiome, making it a starting point for long-term health. Yet, it’s often overlooked in the longevity space. By spotlighting its significance, we hope to drive greater awareness and innovation in this area.
Next human: What’s next for Better and Better?
The mouth is just the beginning. We’re expanding our line to include personalized toothpaste formulas tailored to individual health needs. Beyond that, we’re developing oral sprays for on-the-go nutrient absorption.
Looking ahead, we plan to create a portfolio of products that deliver nutrients through other absorbent areas of the body, such as the skin. Lip balms, skincare products, and even shampoos could serve as nutrient delivery systems. Our vision is a future where wellness products naturally replace the need for pills.
Next human: How do you plan to educate people about this new approach?
Education is critical, especially for a new category like ours. Our strategy is to build trust through science-backed evidence, partnering with healthcare professionals like dentists and nutritionists to validate our claims.
From there, we’ll use social media, podcasts, and other platforms to share this knowledge widely. Trust is our currency, and we’re committed to earning it by delivering credible, transformative solutions for well-being.
Find your Better&Better combo:
Take a look on video: