Help Us Bring Teespa to the World!

The oral health care sector needs some changes. Despite the technological advancement in treatments, dental cavities are still the most common preventable disease in the world. Most of us have at least two dental fillings and not knowingly, have teeth that might likely require fillings soon. Do you plan to leave it as it is, and take the treatment bill as it comes? If not, do you know what to do about it?

Kia ora, I’m Tia, a registered oral health therapist based in Wellington and the founder of Teespa. I created Teespa to transform the way we look after our smile, while making an impact to change the oral health inequity in the world.

After multiple trials and errors, iterations and testings, with the help of professional formulation scientists, chemists and oral health professionals, we created the amazing tasting Revitalising Teeth Serum and the Smile Guard. I am now seeking your help to fund towards the first batch of product to be manufactured. And YOU can get your hands on some exciting discounted pre-orders, limited edition merch and heartwarming experiences!

The Problem

Dental care has been a hot topic this past election because over 40% of Kiwis struggle to afford it. This leads to pain, poor general health, and a reduced quality of life for those who can't access the care they need. 

I've always believed in the power of preventive care. It's disheartening to see many people only prioritise oral health after going through expensive treatments. But why wait? Prevention should be enjoyable and effective, so everyone can have good oral health, not just those who can afford it.

In Case You Didn’t Know:

Our teeth are constantly losing or gaining minerals (professionally called demineralisation or remineralisation). When we get cavities it is because we keep losing minerals without replacing them. Everytime we consume food/drinks that are sweet, acidic or starchy, risk for demineralisation increases. Frequent snacking is the biggest enemy to remineralisation.

Our prehistoric ancestors had better teeth than us. This is because our food has been becoming softer, stickier, and sweeter ever since agricultural revolution. Plus the snacking culture we now have, our teeth barely get a break to remineralise.

Our teeth are composed of three essential layers: enamel, dentine, and pulp. When minerals are lost from these different layers, it leads to distinct symptoms, consequences, treatment options, and costs. Unfortunately, if we gauge our oral health solely based on the presence or absence of pain, it often puts us at a higher risk of needing expensive treatments in the long run.

Fillings don’t last forever, and their lifespan depends on minerals too!

Oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease are linked with many other health conditions.

Meet the Solution

Revitalising Teeth Serum is a 2-in-1 solution to help maximise the self-healing ability of our oral cavities. It tastes minty fresh and combines five main active ingredients backed by science to deliver the result of:

Replenishing Lost Minerals

Encouraging Healthy Bacteria Growth

Refreshing Breath

Soothing Sensitivity

For the full ingredient list, visit our website here: https://teespa.co.nz/pages/ingredients

You could carry out your own search on google scholar or PubMed regarding the ingredients, or for your convenience, some research for the five active ingredients are included here: https://teespa.co.nz/blogs/existing-research-on-active-ingredients/existing-research-on-active-ingredients

P.S. We're committed to sustainability! We've opted for eco-friendly aluminum refillable pump bottles and a tin to keep your Smile Guard safe. In addition, we aim to establish refill stations at dental clinics, pharmacies, and refill shops across Aotearoa, making it easy for everyone to contribute to a greener future.

So Who is it For?

- If you value oral health and want more control over your treatment costs.

- Those who frequently consume sweet and acidic foods or drinks, such as wine drinkers.

- Those who have had lots of dental treatment done, such as old fillings and crowns.

- Individuals dealing with acid reflux, at a higher risk of mineral loss.

- Indoor pool swimmers frequently exposed to chlorine.

- Individuals experiencing dry mouth.

- Individuals experiencing sensitivity due to gum recession.

Disclaimer*

- This product cannot revive non-vital teeth (for example, root canal treated teeth).

- This product is not intended to replace flossing or brushing, but supplementary.

- Regular check-up and hygiene treatment is essential for good oral health.

- This product doesn't have fluoride in it, as it is meant to be used to support oral health throughout the day. And we still strongly suggest daily use of fluoride toothpaste as a part of good oral care routine.

What We Have Achieved

Since the conception of this idea, Teespa has received remarkable support from scientists, researchers, and the startup communities throughout New Zealand. It was an exciting milestone when Teespa was chosen to be part of the Impact Accelerator 2023, run by Creative HQ in Wellington. In September 2023, we successfully submitted Revitalising Teeth Serum with Medsafe, classified as a Class I medical device. This regulatory recognition marks an essential step in our journey towards enhancing oral health for all.

Production and Quality Control

 All Revitalising Teeth Serum will be made in a GMP (good manufacturing practice) and FDA certified manufacturer.

Where to Get it?

Teespa products will be available on our website. We are also starting the process of discussions with some independent pharmacies and dental clinics around New Zealand to stock the product and set up refill stations.

*What’s In It For You*

This campaign operates on an all-or-nothing basis, meaning that with your generous support, if we successfully reach our funding goal, you'll receive the reward(s) of your choice, and your payment will be processed at that time. This will enable me to finally launch Teespa! However, if we do not reach the minimum target, you won't be charged, and I go home empty handed.

Tia’s Big Plans for Teespa

I'd be incredibly grateful for your support to make this launch possible. I'm excited to share my vision for Teespa's future:

- Establishing refill stations for convenient serum top-ups.

- Developing a new product aimed at enhancing gum health.

- Crafting teeth-friendly lollies for both kids and fun adults!

- When our cash flow allows, dedicating up to 5% of our profits to estabilish a new oral health charity. I'm still exploring ways to make a meaningful impact on people in need and open to further ideas! Potentially starting a charity to help single parents who are not qualified for WINZ to get the dental treatment they need. Or making a documentary about the oral health system and its challenges in New Zealand.

Your backing will help us turn these dreams into reality, and I can't thank you enough for being a part of this exciting journey.

Meet the Founder

Kia ora, I am Tia. I came to New Zealand in 2015 as an international student from China to study a Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Otago. Fast forward eight years, I'm now a registered oral health therapist working in Wellington. I didn't grow up with great oral health and was terrified of the dentist until the second year into my degree. My mission in a clinical setting is to help my patients feel at ease and learn to love looking after their smiles so they won't need any avoidable treatments.

Why I started Teespa

During university time in Dunedin, I was involved in lots of voluntary work and was inspired by many remarkable entrepreneurs solving problems they care about in creative ways. They made me believe there's lots of hope in our society that we can put our collective well-being over financial gains. Throughout the degree, we learned about the oral health inequity in New Zealand, and when I actually faced it as a clinician, seeing people struggling to pay for treatments they needed, seeing the fear and shame in their eyes, it felt like an void was left in my heart. I didn't grow up with good oral health either, and the personal experience made me determined to make an impact on this matter with what I've learned.

Teespa holds a special place in my heart as it's my personal commitment to addressing oral health inequity worldwide. With Teespa, I aim to make prevention enjoyable and effective, so it's embraced by all. Additionally, we're dedicated to helping disadvantaged groups access the oral care they need. This venture is a way of saying 'thank you' to all the kind souls I've met since I landed in New Zealand, who've shown me the power of human compassion and collective action.