The Many Unconventional Ways That Toothpaste Can Save You Big Bucks

Toothpaste has been around for centuries, though the formula has been changed many times over the years. It used to be manufactured as a powder and sold in jars. Nowadays, it’s made as a paste in a tube, and it’s found in people’s bathrooms around the globe. Many think of toothpaste only in the context of brushing teeth. However, toothpaste is quite a valuable household tool that can be beneficial in many contexts. 

It’s an essential item that’s always in the house, so it’s a convenient go-to item for urgent situations–if you know how to use it. The things you can do with toothpaste might surprise you. From clearing up your skin to cleaning up your house, you can use this item in a wide variety of ways. Get ready to be impressed by just some of the many ways you can put this under-appreciated product to work.

Clears Up Those Foggy Glasses

Any who’s ever had glasses knows how annoying it is when they get foggy and dirty. You need to go out of your way to find some expensive cleaner so that you can see. You can avoid all of this stress and just use toothpaste–it’s quite simple. You use a tiny drop of white toothpaste on both sides of the lenses.

Make sure it’s not a gel toothpaste. It will polish your glasses and prevent them from fogging up. This hack works with goggles as well. Did you know that the first wearable glasses were created as far back as 1284? They had heavy frames and were held up manually. Definitely not as stylish as they are today. The frames were made of completely natural materials, such as wood, copper, leather, and even bone.

Makes Your Shoes White Again

Who doesn’t appreciate a pair of clean, sparkling white shoes? The obvious problem is how dirty they get after wearing them just a couple of times. You no longer have to worry about that, as toothpaste can help to get them clean. Make sure that you don’t use color or gel. Just apply regular white toothpaste and rub it on the dirty areas. Mix it with some water, and your shoes will look brand new again.

Toothpaste was first used all the way back in ancient Egypt. However, the first minty fresh modern toothpaste was made in China. After toothpaste made its way to Europe and the United States in the 1800s, it became mainstream and a standard part of life.

Cleans Germs Off Your Cellphone

Sometimes it’s hard to keep a cellphone clean, especially when it’s used constantly. Shockingly, your cellphone is covered in more bacteria than a toilet seat. For this reason, it’s important to sanitize your phone every once a while. Otherwise you might be getting a little too up close and personal with some scary stuff.

You simply spread a thin amount of toothpaste on your screen, and gently wipe it with a tissue. Not only is this an easy way to keep germs away, but it even doubles as a screen protector. The toothpaste will buff out little scratches on your phone screen, and even help to prevent new ones from forming. Did you know Colgate toothpaste was originally sold in a jar? The squeezable tubes weren’t invented until about 20 years later.

Cleans Your Computer Keyboard

Every so often, you probably start to notice some built-up dust in between your computer keys, especially with the amount of time many spend on the computer these days. Eventually, the keys become oily and dirty. The good news is, this can easily be cleaned with the help of some toothpaste. Put some toothpaste on a damp toothbrush, and simply brush it through the keys. It will immediately pull the dirt from the cracks.

If you happen to have white computer keys, this trick will also whiten them. During the 19th century, something called tooth powder was sold. Until the turn of the century, it was even more popular than toothpaste. Today, people prefer toothpaste over powder. However if you ever want to try tooth powder, it is still available in India.

Blocks Out Stinky Smells

If you’re ever taking out the trash or changing a diaper, sometimes the smell can be unbearable. You might try to hold you breath and hope you don’t throw up. This may sound strange, but putting two drops of toothpaste in your nostrils can block out bad smells. The strong smell of toothpaste will distract your sense of smell and overpower almost any scent. This hack even works with smells as bad a skunks.

It was as recently as 1975 when the first commercially-manufactured toothpaste came out. It was called Tom’s of Maine, and it was an herbal toothpaste as opposed to fluoride alternatives. In 1987, edible toothpaste was created for astronauts. Now, they are more commonly used by children.

Relieves Itchy Bites

Everyone can relate to the agony that ensues after being bit by mosquitoes. Whether you’re on a camping trip or even just relaxing at home, you’ll have to deal with the infuriating itching for the next several days. Although you can’t always avoid the bites, you can help to manage the itch using toothpaste. By applying toothpaste on any bug bite, it will almost immediately relieve the itching.

Since toothpaste contains a powerful ingredient, called menthol, it cools down your skin and suppresses the overpowering the itchy feeling. This is a very convenient hack that can be helpful to everyone! The first whitening toothpaste was sold by Rembrandt. That wasn’t until 1989. Other toothpaste companies followed soon after due to the popularity of the idea.

Gives You Healthy And Beautiful Nails

Toothpaste is a perfect way to protect your nails without spending so much money on manicures. All you need is a toothbrush and toothpaste. You just scrub over and underneath your fingernails. Over time, this helps your nails become stronger, longer, and even healthier. This is the perfect way to keep your nails clean and strong without leaving the house.

Did you know the ancient Romans added some interesting materials to their toothpaste formula? Most of their toothpaste was urine-based. If you think that sounds gross, they also added some oyster shells and crushed bones. It sounds pretty disgusting to have to put that in your mouth. The reason why the Romans put urine in the toothpaste was that it contains ammonia, which is a natural cleaners.

Removes Sticky Gum From Your Hair

Many kids share the fear of getting gum stuck in their hair, and having to cut it out. Luckily, this is no longer something to worry about. All you have to do it put toothpaste in your hair too. It sounds like this could make the situation worse, but the toothpaste actually helps to break down the sugar in the gum, and loosen it from the hair.

After leaving the toothpaste in for a few minutes, it will no longer be sticky. You can just pull it right out.  Studies have shown that chewing gum reduces muscle tension and increases alertness. In addition, gum can also stop your ears from popping on an airplane. Just don’t let it get in your hair…unless you have toothpaste.

Styles Your Hair

Although toothpaste might seem like a sticky substance that you wouldn’t want anywhere near your hair, it can essentially double as a hair product. This is a hack that could save you when you run out of mousse last minute. Surprisingly, toothpaste is made with some of the same products in hair gel, and helps keep hair in place. Next time you’re running late and out of hair product, don’t worry. Use toothpaste instead.

Did you know that Colgate, the famous toothpaste company, started off making perfumes? They sold perfumes for about a decade before switching to toothpaste in 1873. During that time, toothpaste was still being produced in glass jars. 23 years later, Colgate came up with the slogan, “we could not improve the product, so we improved the tube,” to promote their new toothpaste packaging.

Cleans Crayons Off The Wall

Every kid loves to color. The only problem is when they don’t keep it on the paper. Most children color on the walls at some point, frustrating their parents because of how hard it is to get off. Parents don’t need to be concerned about that anymore. You don’t need to pay a cleaner or painter. Instead, smear toothpaste on the wall and rub it off with a wet rag.

Did you know that there are over 100 colors of Crayola crayons? Right now, you can buy 120 different shades. Technically, there are a dozen more, but you cannot buy them at stores. These limited edition crayons are either retired or reserved for very important people, like Oprah.

Cleans Dirty Plastic Furniture

You may know the struggle of keeping outside furniture clean. No matter how hard you try, with rain and wind, the plastic furniture gets dirty so easily. It almost seems like nothing will help clean it. Mix toothpaste and water, and you won’t need furniture cleaner anymore. As long as it’s plastic furniture, this combo should get it right out. It also completely gets rid of stains, and makes the furniture look brand new.

In 1806, William Colgate established his company on Dutch street in Manhattan. At first, the store was only selling soap, starch, and candles. These products were the basis of the store for a few years. Later, William Colgate found himself searching for a job that led him to a new venture.

Acts As Wall Glue

Everyone loves to decorate walls with pictures or posters. Tape usually falls off, and anything else may damage the wall (especially nails). Toothpaste will once again solve your problems. You can use it as a wall glue. Put the toothpaste on the back of the picture or poster and simply paste it to the wall. The pictures can easily be taken down at any time.

In 1799, the Colgate founder was looking for employment. He boarded his canal boat, where the entrepreneur got inspired to manufacture toothpaste. Unfortunately, Colgate didn’t live long enough to see how his brand expanded and made him live on forever. Although Colgate is a well-known brand today, the product was only released 16 years after his death.

Doubles As Nail Polish Remover

Nail polish remover can be an easy thing to forget to buy. It can simply skip your mind when you stop at a store. Luckily, as long as you have toothpaste and lemon at home, you don’t need it. The toothpaste and lemon mixture works as a nail polish remover by quickly and easily brushing it away. Next time you ladies run out of nail polish remover, try this hack instead.

In October 1929, when the stock market crashed, the world economy was disastrous. This led to what is now known as the “Great Depression.” In 1930, Colgate was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Today, even though Colgate is only officially listed on the stock exchange for USA and India, it currently has organizations in 200 different countries.

Brings Back The Sparkle Into Your Life

When you have jewelry that you love, it’s a bummer when it starts to lose its shine. Another problem solved with, you guessed it, toothpaste. Once again, toothpaste can help to bring the sparkle back into your old jewelry. All you have to do is scrub the piece with toothpaste and rinse with hot water. You may have to try it a few times, but it will ultimately restore the original glow back into your jewelry. This includes diamonds, and almost everything in your jewelry box (with the exception of pearls).

In 1953, the name Colgate-Palmolive was introduced to the world. However, the two companies (Colgate and Palmolive) had already merged in 1928. Palmolive-Peet was a soap industrialized company and they decided to buy Colgate in the 50s.

Baby Bottle Sanitizer

Anyone who’s been around babies for long enough knows how bad their bottles start to smell. No matter how many times you clean them, the baby formula gives a sour milk odor to the bottle after prolonged use. This hack is perfect for new parents. Instead of throwing out the bottles to buy fresh ones, you can get the smell out by washing it with toothpaste and some water.

Doing this trick will not only deodorize the bottles, but will leave them looking shiny as well. In 1968, Colgate changed its formula and started using MFP Fluoride. Today, the compound is well known for being the best safeguard to prevent tooth decay. Seven quick years after the company opened its first factory in India, the establishment was the highest-selling brand in the world.

Pest Control

Surprisingly enough, toothpaste can be used to deter insects. We all know the struggle of finding cockroaches and having to deal with them until the exterminator shows up. Toothpaste can prevent these pests, including mice, from showing up in your home. You simply rub the toothpaste on the baseboards of your wall, and anywhere else these pests can come from. They hate the smell so much that it will just turn them away.

In Spanish, Colgate literally means “go hang yourself.” As you can imagine, this double meaning should have made it very difficult for the company to sell toothpaste in Spain. However, Colgate became a highly popular brand in Spain. Apparently, the strange wording actually increased the interest of consumers.

Helps Remove Those Big Red Pimples

Everyone has been there: a huge pimple the day before picture day. Pimples take a few days to go away, and when one is in the middle of your face, it can affect your self-esteem. This is where toothpaste can give you a confidence boost. The strong ingredients that toothpaste contains make it helpful for drying out your pimples.

You simply cover the pimple with toothpaste overnight. In the morning, the redness should disappear, and the pimple will either be much smaller or completely gone. So, next time you have a pimple the day before a date, don’t freak out. Try out this trick. Did you know that acne is the most common skin condition in the United States?

Cleans Up Messy Hair Dye

Trying to dye hair at home often leads to a complete mess. You’re bound to wind up with hands and a bathroom that match the color of your hair. Since it is a permanent hair dye, it’s seemingly impossible to get out. Luckily, toothpaste can get hair dye off of almost everything. It will instantly come off of your body, and you can definitely use it to clean up your bathroom sink as well.

Next time you dye your hair at home, make sure you have some toothpaste lying around. In 2011, PETA acknowledged that Colgate is one of the companies that was very careful about animal testing. They only conducted tests under government regulations. Reportedly, Colgate has been actively searching for different testing alternatives.

Fun Holiday Winter Paint

This is a fun one for all the holiday lovers. If you love to decorate your house for the winter season, you’ll love to decorate your windows using white window paint. Try drawing on the windows with toothpaste. It works much better than window paint. The toothpaste texture seems to make the white brighter, and it looks stunning from both sides of the window.

The best part is, when you finally wipe it off, it will leave your windows cleaner and shinier than before. In 2007, Colgate helped set a Guinness World Record. In the Philippines, elementary school children set a record at the Colgate Super Mega Brushing Event. In 13 different locations, spread all around the world, there were 41,038 students all brushing their teeth at the exact same time.

Helps You Look Young Again

Not only does toothpaste help dry out pimples, but it can also be used to reduce wrinkles. Toothpaste contains Zinc, a chemical element with strong antioxidant capabilities. Our body naturally contains a certain amount of zinc, but it naturally reduces with age. Since Zinc contains anti-aging benefits, applying toothpaste on your skin will reduce wrinkles and even fade the dark marks from your skin.

In 2007, Colgate got in a little bit of trouble with the Advertising Standards Authority of the UK. Colgate was found to be deceiving potential costumers when they claimed that four out of five scientists recommend the toothpaste. Apparently, that statement was never proven to be true. Colgate was ultimately forbidden to continue making that claim.

Gets Off Those Coffee Ring Stains

It’s hard to keep the furniture perfectly clean at all time. Most of the time, you don’t even know how it got dirty in the first place. It can come from something as simple as not using coasters. Hot beverages or pans directly on the table cause ring stains that can be very irritating to get off.

No need to worry. Toothpaste can remove coffee stains from furniture. Add baking soda to the toothpaste, and use this mixture as your cleaning solution. It will even work on wood. In 2016, Colgate was fined in France by the national competition regulator of France. The fine was because Colgate- Palmolive was allegedly fixing prices. You may also be surprised to hear that Colgate is the biggest oral care brand in all of India.

Polishes Your Headlights

Are your car headlights looking foggy? This is usually something most people don’t notice or worry about. Not many would spend money to get their headlights cleaned. But now you don’t have to. Toothpaste cleans and eliminates the haze and fog. Simply combine water and toothpaste on a washcloth. Gently scrub the headlights, and they will quickly change from foggy to sparkling. Your car will look brand new.

In 1940, Procter & Gamble started a research program to find the best ingredients that would release tooth decay when added to toothpaste. During that time, it was estimated that America has over 700 million cavities a year. This made dental disease one of the greatest health problems in the U.S.

Makes Scratched CDs Work Again

When CDs or DVDs get scratched, they’ll keep skipping over and over. No matter how many times you try to clean them, you may never get them to work. Surprisingly enough, you could just use some toothpaste. Most people don’t use CDs anymore, but if you find an old one and want to reminisce, you can just clean it with toothpaste.

Procter & Gamble formed a joint research team in 1950. It was held by Dr. Joseph Muhler at Indiana University, and the purpose was to create and develop a toothpaste that contains fluoride. After testing the product, they found that children 6-16 showed a 49% reduction in cavities and tooth decay.

Whitens Those Yellow Refrigerator Seals

It important to keep your refrigerator clean. After all, that’s where you keep your food. That’s why it’s so frustrating when the refrigerator seal turns yellow. Sadly, there is not much to do to prevent that, but a toothbrush and toothpaste can help solve the problem. The refrigerator seals have a sticky texture for the purpose of opening and closing the refrigerator.

Naturally, dust and dirt will stick to it, causing it to turn yellow over time. This toothpaste hack works the same way it works in your mouth. The toothbrush cleans out the dirt while the toothpaste whitens it. In 2015, a market research firm called Kantar Wordpannel conducted a study. Their research found that over 50% of households across the world use Colgate brand toothpaste.

Use It Instead Of A Carpet Cleaner

Carpet stains are a nightmare to get out. A carpet cleaner can be so expensive, and if you can’t afford it, your stains might just stick around. Well, there is a much easier and cheaper way to clean them. It’s hard to believe that something like toothpaste can remove stains. You may imagine that this clumpy white paste will only make the stain worse. But remarkably, this actually works really well.

Mix a tiny bit of toothpaste with water. As soon as the mixture becomes foamy, use it as a carpet cleaner. The results will shock you. The American Dental Association reported that Crest toothpaste does indeed prevent tooth decay. By 1962, Crest was the number one selling toothpaste in America.

Long Lasting Match

Most people use lighters these days, but matches can be useful in emergency situations. If you want the match to last longer than usual, you can preserve its life with toothpaste. All you have to do is put the heads of the matches in toothpaste. You then dip them in water before wiping off the toothpaste.

When you light up the match, not only does the flame last longer, but it’s also much bigger. After the success of Procter & Gambles’s study, Crest toothpaste with added Fluoristian launched in 1955. By January 1956, the company expanded on a national level. The American Dental Association confirmed that Crest toothpaste prevents tooth decay, which increased its popularity.

Erases Your Blackheads

You now know that toothpaste helps to dry out pimples, but it can also easily wipe away blackheads. This simple method takes just a few minutes and gives great results. It may seem like this paste couldn’t get that dirt out of your skin, but you won’t know until you try it for yourself.

Toothpaste contains Calcium carbonate. This mineral is actually why toothpaste is so effective in removing blackheads. All you need to do is apply toothpaste to the areas affected by blackheads. Keep it there for about two to five minutes, then wash your face as you normally would. Your skin will instantly feel softer with almost no effort.

Gets The Gunk Out Of Your Hair Iron

A straightening iron makes a super useful tool for getting a sleek look. The problem is, after long-term use, it starts to get dirty. The built-up oil and hairspray can decay the effectiveness of the hair iron. Toothpaste will help remove these stubborn stains from the straightener. All you have to do is put toothpaste on the hair iron and then clean it off with a wet cloth. Remember, keeping your hair iron clean will increase its long term efficiency.

The first hair iron was created by Isaac K. Shero in 1909. He literally just took two regular irons, heated them up, and put them around the hair. A few years later, Sharrell made heated metal tools, such as hot combs. The hot metal straightener caused less damage to hair than other methods, at the time.

Minty Fresh Car

If you’re picking someone up in your car, you don’t want your car to smell bad. It’s possible that something spilled, or you forgot food in there. Either way, you need to get the smell out of there, and fast. This is where toothpaste can be very helpful. Just wrap a little toothpaste in a napkin, and put it in your car. As long as all the doors and windows are shut, the scent will quickly fill up the car. This hack will make your car smell minty fresh in minutes.

Since its inception in 1955, Crest has been at the forefront of dental hygiene. In 2005, the company was excited to celebrate its 50-year anniversary. They helped provide beautiful and healthy smiles for families all across America. After the ADA approval, Crest’s sales tripled.

Hair Glue For Babies

Bows feel impossible to keep in baby’s hair. Sometimes, they move their heads too much, making it difficult to tie the bow correctly. Other times, they simply rip it out themselves. Either way, it’s a safe bet that these bows will eventually fall out. This is where toothpaste comes in. Similarly to hair gel, toothpaste is sticky enough to style hair but still washes out easily. Just use it like glue, and notice how much longer the bows will stick.

By 1962, Crest was the number one selling toothpaste in America. In 1976, Crest with fluoride was recognized by the American Chemical Society as one of the top hundred greatest discoveries of the past 100 years. The toothpaste received a Seal of Acceptance from the ADA for a number of different health conditions, including cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, teeth stains, and bad breath.

Spackles Up Your Walls

When you get little holes in your wall, it can be annoying to have to spackle and repaint. You have nothing to worry about. Just use toothpaste. Simply put some toothpaste in the hole, and you will instantly see a difference. The holes will disappear, and the toothpaste is barely noticeable. This is a good trick to use if you’re having guests over or moving apartments.

Crest partnered with Scientific American magazine in 2006 for their ongoing research. They wanted to present the most inclusive and truthful information about the relationship between oral health and the overall wellness of your body. This included future possible consequences for healthcare models in addition to expert opinions.

Use It As White Out

Before computers, all students knew the struggle of writing down notes in class. Pencils obviously have erasers, but if you mess up with pens, you need white-out…or toothpaste. A drop of white toothpaste will stick to the paper, covering the ink just like white-out. Once it dries, you can write noted right over it.

The partnership between Crest and the Scientific American magazine showed that the company is highly committed to continuing its research on oral health. In 2008, the American Dental Association collaborated with Crest and Oral B and conducted a survey on America’s dental care. Eight out of ten Americans acknowledged that it’s absolutely crucial to take care of one’s mouth, teeth, and gums.

Relieves Painful Burns

Toothpaste is known to relieve bug bites and dry out pimples. It also has positive effects on the skin and even can even help relieve minor burns. Next time you burn yourself on a stove top or hair iron, try applying toothpaste. The strong menthol ingredient will immediately relieve the pain. Not only will it get rid of the pain, but the cooling effect can actually avoid scarring.

Although one of ten people expressed the importance of oral health, only one-third of them said that they actually do a good job taking care of their teeth. Americans seem to deem the smile the most important physical attribute. However, there can be many underlying oral health problems. One in three Americans also says that bleeding while brushing is normal…which it is not.

Shines Up Your Piano

Depending on how often you use it, a piano can get dirty over time. Like everything else, pianos collect dust, and the keys look less and less white over time. This can easily be solved with toothpaste. Apply toothpaste on a damp brush and clean in between the keys. This will rid your piano of built-up dirt, and will make the keys white again. This hack works with all pianos and keyboards, including plastic ones.

Some of the health conditions associated with poor dental health are stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Less common conditions that can be correlated with oral health include rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancers, eating disorders, and even a possible immune system disorder that causes a dry mouth.

Sparkly Mirror

After a hot shower, mirrors tend to fog up. The moisture and water particles stick to the glass creating condensation. After a while, the fog builds up, and can no longer be simply wiped off. Once again, toothpaste can save the day. Smearing toothpaste over the mirror will not only clear up the built-up fog, but will also prevent future fog build up. You may not even notice that your mirror has built-up fog until you try this.

This works so well and will instantly make your mirror shinier. Oral-B was founded in California during the late 1930s. Henry Sargol invented a bristled toothbrush in 1938 and named it Oral-B. However, it wasn’t until 1950 when the brand finally became a reality. Periodontist Dr. Robert W. Huston was the more recognized founder of the company.

Gets Rid Of Those Stubborn Stains

Getting a stain on one of your favorite pieces of clothing can be very frustrating. Toothpaste is the perfect component to remove stains from clothes. It can remove permanent marker, makeup, wine, and much more. Cover the stain with toothpaste and fold over the clothing. Then, simply rub it against the fabric for a few minutes. Rinse it out with warm water before throwing it in the washing machine. This trick works especially with white clothes.

Dr. Robert W. Huston was the one who sent designs for the “Huston Toothbrush” to the US Patent office. Finally, on October 24, 1950, the patent was finally granted with patent number 160604. In August 1958, he received a new patent for a “mouth brush” that was very similar to the earlier model.

Buffs Out Car Scratches

Getting a scratch on your car is always so disappointing. No matter how small it is, you’ll always notice it. Now that little scratch can stop haunting you, with the help of toothpaste. The ingredients and texture of toothpaste actually give it the power to get rid of these scratches and scuff marks. Simply apply toothpaste on a soft towel and use it to erase the scratches. This is an easy hack with very little work involved.

The difference in the new model was that it had multiple soft, flat-ended nylon bristles. Huston claimed during the filing process that this brush was less tough on tooth enamel, and worked better for massaging the gums. He also stated that it’s better at picking up tooth powder than any other brushes that were available at the time.

Sparkly Bathroom

Everyone loves a clean bathroom. After all, that’s where you shower and clean yourself, so it’s natural to want it to remain fresh. Did you know that toothpaste can clean better than some actual bathroom cleaners? All you need to do is apply some toothpaste on a sponge, and scrub. This will remove soap scum buildup, polish the shower fixers, and whiten your toilet and sink. This is a life-changing hack that you can use right now.

It is unclear exactly when Oral-B came out. However, it has been speculated that the first was known as “Oral-B 60,” because it had 60 bristles. Ten years after the creation of the first patented brush, Oral-B was selling more than 5 million brushes a year.

Makes Your Bruises Disappear

Everyone gets bruises every once in a while, whether it’s from sports, or just from being clumsy. There isn’t much we can do to avoid bruises, but there is a way we can make them go away, using toothpaste. Put some toothpaste on the bruise and cover it with a Band-Aid. This is best if done overnight and washed off in the morning. The ingredients in toothpaste are actually able to break the blood clot. This reduces swelling, which helps get rid of the bruise.

The high sales were due to a great design, in addition to professionals flaunting Huston’s product. Huston sold Oral-B during the 1960’s and continued working as a periodontist in San Jose. The sale was to Martin H. Smith Co, which was known as Cooper Tinsley Laboratories in 1961.

Leather Repair

Do you ever get small rips or scuff marks on leather shoes? When this happens, you may think you’ve ruined the shoes, but there’s still hope. Toothpaste can fix it. A tear in leather doesn’t automatically mean you need a replacement. First, try to rub some toothpaste on it with a dry cloth and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. This trick can save your leather shoes, wallet, and even jackets.

In 1967, Cooper Tinsley Laboratory changed its name to Cooper Laboratories. However, after the sale, the company began to develop very quickly. Oral-B began selling other dental products, such as fluoride and floss, as opposed to just toothbrushes.

Can Actually Brush Your Teeth

Now, this one is gonna be the most obvious. But it’d be silly to leave out the mostly common use for toothpaste: brushing your teeth. While it does have many uses, it’s important to use toothpaste for its intended purpose too. Brushing your teeth twice a day has many positive benefits: it gets rid of bad breath, removes plaque, and even makes your teeth whiter.

Health risks, such as gum disease, can occur when you don’t brush. Show off your smile, and don’t forget to floss. Clearly, there is a lot you can do with toothpaste. But did you know that there are alternative uses for your other hygiene items as well?

Check out these bonus uses for both floss and mouthwash. Some of these are even better than the toothpaste-related tips and tricks that you’ve just discovered…

Fixes Your Glasses

If you ever lose the screw from your glasses, you know how frustrating it is. Especially when you’re in a rush, you may not have time to stop and get your glasses fixed. If you have floss lying around the house, you’re in luck. All you have to do is put the dental floss where the screw should be and tie it. This is a great hack that will keep your glasses together until you have the time to get them fixed.

It is believed that Oral-B toothbrushes were taken to the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. Gillette acquired Oral-B in 1984. They gave money to expand the company and its new innovations. They were paid $188.5 million in cash. At the time, this amount was thought to be fifteen times the amount of the business’s earnings and its assets.

Slides Sticky Cookies Off The Tray

There is nothing better than smelling fresh baked cookies right out of the oven. You get so excited about your perfect batch of cookies, only to destroy them when you try to get them off the tray. There is a very simple solution. Avoid ruining your cookies by removing them with dental floss. The floss will slide under the cookie smoothly, and lift them up gently, keeping your cookies looking perfect.

Braun was another brand within the Gillette group. The company began using the well-known name Oral-B for their electric toothbrushes. This is the first reported electric toothbrush that was made by the company. However, it is believed that there may have been a previous “D1” model in 1978.

Ponytail Assistant

Have you ever lost a ponytail and got stuck using a rubber band to tie up your hair? Many have been there, and it’s painful. It sticks to you hair and can even pull it out. Well, now there is another alternative. If you have dental floss, you can forget about those frustrating rubber bands. The floss is smooth, yet strong enough to keep your hair up. Try this useful hack next time your ponytail breaks.

The company won an Edison Award in 1991 for the indicator bristle design. This design is now commonly used on toothbrush heads. The introduction of the Oral-B Advantage toothbrush in 1993 was revolutionary. The toothbrush featured a multi-level trim pattern on the bristles. It offered more effective and better cleaning.

Decorating A Room

Do you have pictures sitting at home that you still haven’t hung up? Going out to buy the special string is inconvenient and easily forgotten, making months go by before you finally put them up. Well, next time you want to decorate, just use floss. The strength of the string makes it the perfect alternative. Plus, you probably already have some in the house.

The Cross Action toothbrush was introduced in 1998. The bristles were angled, which is still used today. Oral-B Stages line was introduced in 2003. It was created for children, and designed for all four stages of a child’s development. Oral-B joined the Procter and Gamble Company in 2005 after they merged with Gillette.

Gets That Ring Off Easily

Getting a ring stuck on your finger can be a very stressful experience. The situation quickly gets worse as additional stress will make your fingers swollen, making the ring even harder to get off. You don’t have to worry. Grab some dental floss and tie it around your finger under the ring. As you pull it up, it will push the ring up with it. Eventually, it will slide up your finger, and you can stop panicking.

Today, the Oral-B company has expanded way passed toothbrushes. In addition, the company developed toothpaste, flosses, oral irrigators, and inter dental products. It’s one of the top-leading brands in the dental care industry. They are continually innovating and creating new products to help achieve higher standards for dental and oral care.

Shoelaces

There is nothing more inconvenient than a broken shoelace. You want to wear your shoes, but instead, you have to go out and buy new laces. But now, you can use floss in these emergency situations. Although floss may seem thin, floss is strong enough to keep your shoes tied until you have time to buy new laces. Next time you’re stuck with broken shoelaces, try out this little hack.

Okay, there is still one question left about this successful Oral-Care company. Where did Oral-B get its name from? Apparently, it stands for “Oral Brush,” but the company thought Oral-B sounded better.

Clean And Sparkly

There are always some little tiny nooks that are seemingly impossible to clean. This could be anything from your computer screen to a crack on your table. Dental floss is perfect for these crannies. Because the floss string is incredibly strong, it has the power to reach the dirt in small spaces. Try this trick next time you want your house extra clean. This will even work in the car.

In 1961, the first toothpaste designed for desensitizing was introduced, containing Strontium Chloride. Strontium Chloride is effective in helping block the dentin tubules. Sensodyne F was the first toothpaste that contained Potassium Nitrate. This compound has been clinically proven to relieve pain inside the teeth and gums when used twice a day.

Who Needs A Sewing Kit?

Everyone is bound to encounter a little sewing problem, but you may have nothing to fix it. It’s smart to have a sewing kit, but if all you have lying around is dental floss, you’re in luck. The floss is discreet enough to be used on any fabric without being noticed. It’s also strong enough to be used for sewing buttons. Just start carrying floss around as an emergency sewing kit.

Sensodyne Pronamel was launched in 2006. The formula included optimized fluoride, which helps protect the negative effects of acid erosion on tooth enamel. In 2014, the company launched Sensodyne True White. This was a specialist whitening toothpaste, specifically made for sensitive teeth. The company continued to develop different formulas from then on.

Knife Replacement

Most of the time, people cut cakes with a knife. The thickness of the knife could collect chunks from inside the cake and ruin the frosting. Try using floss instead. If you use dental floss instead of a knife, each piece of cake will be cut beautifully. In addition, the untouched parts of the cake will still be perfect and appetizing.

In 2016, New Sensodyne Advanced Repair & Protect with NOVAMIN was released. It’s different from other Sensodyne toothpaste products. The toothpaste contains a concentrated calcium formula. The unique recipe has been clinically proven to repair weaker areas with the natural tooth materials. Using the toothpaste twice a day strengthens your teeth.

Gets Rid Of Dandruff

Do you have some dandruff in your hair that you can’t seem to get rid of? No matter how many special shampoos and conditioners you use, many will find there is always a little bit of dandruff left. Mouthwash can actually help with this problem. After you wash your hair, simply soak a cotton ball with mouthwash. Dab it on your scalp to reduce the dryness.

The toothpaste also has a minty taste to it, leaving your mouth clean and fresh. Leading experts in the field of tooth sensitivity started working with academic institution laboratories. This helped the public understand the importance of tooth sensitivity, and how it can impact a person’s life. As you continue to learn, you can apply more scientific knowledge to help relieve tooth sensitivity and pain.

Keeps Cats From Peeing On Rugs

This is a very useful hack for all you cat owners out there. You know how annoying it is when your cat pees on the carpet. Not only does it make the entire house smell bad, but it can leave a stain. Combine one cup of water, and three tablespoons of clear mouthwash. Spray it on the carpet where your cat tends to pee. Similarly to toothpaste, the mint smell with repel the cats and keep them away from your carpet.

Scientists for Sensodyne continue to identify and formulate multiple specific technologies in the Sensodyne range. For example, to help relieve tooth sensitivity, Potassium Nitrate, NovaMin, and Stannous fluoride are used. These innovations are there to either soothe the nerves inside sensitive teeth, or to protect exposed dentine.

Healthy Feet

It almost feels like there is no cure for athlete’s foot. No matter how many creams you use, it often keeps coming back. Well, Listerine contains such powerful components that it will not only help get rid of athlete’s foot, but can cure foot fungus all together. Simply apply some mouthwash on your feet every morning and night to help with the athlete’s foot. For foot fungus, combine the Listerine with warm water, and soak your feet in it. To cure a more severe fungus, try adding a third-of-a-cup of vinegar.

Dr. Joseph Lawrence, the creator of LISTERINE®, wanted to make sure that the mouthwash was named after the scientist who started it all. Lister was an English doctor and surgeon. He was actually the first surgeon to ever perform an operation in a chamber sterilized with pulverized antiseptic. This was the inspiration for Lawrence to create a unique formula that was perfect for killing germs in tissues (like in your mouth).

Piercing Solution

Everyone who has ever gotten a piercing knows how important it is to keep it clean, especially within the first six weeks. Failing to use the saline solution can cause infections and other issues. If you go on vacation, or sleep at a friend’s house, it’s easy to forget to pack your solution. But don’t you worry. Mouthwash is the perfect alternative. This hack is great because it works just as well.

The history of LISTERINE® dates way back to the early days of modern medication. Sir Joseph Lister was using some of scientist Louis Pasteur’s theories. The famous scientist’s theories hypothesized that invisible germs could cause a number of different infections. After Sir Joseph Lister became the first surgeon to perform an operation in the chamber with pulverizing antiseptic in the air, it led to a major drop in mortality rates in patients during the 19th century.

Keeps Flowers Alive

You may be one of the many people who find it quite impossible to keep flowers alive. You may think you water them enough, but they still seem to die pretty quickly. Well, using mouthwash can help the flowers stay alive much longer. Replace the water in your vase with four pints of water mixed with a tablespoon of mouthwash. This mixture will kill bacteria that can speed up decomposition in your flowers.

After a conference on his research activities, Sir Joseph Lister acknowledged two other people who were a huge part of the LISTERINE® brand. Dr. Joseph Lawrence, the creator, and Robert Wood Johnson, the founder of the group that markets the product to this day, Johnson & Johnson group. In 1879, Dr. Joseph Lawrence combined a formula in his laboratories. Of course, he was inspired by Sir. Joseph Lister, which is who he named the company after.

Fresh Food

If you ever run out of food ties, ponytail-bands are probably too thick to stay on the plastic. Once again, floss can be used as a wonderful alternative to tying up your food bags. Dental floss can keep your food tightly protected from the air. Simply wrap it around the bag a few times, and make a knot. This will keep your food sealed, safe, and fresh, This hack works great for wrapping cookies as well.

Lawrence soon partnered up with pharmacist Jordan Wheat Lambert. Together they formed the Lambert Pharmaceutical Company. They sold Listerine as a disinfectant for bathing wounds. Today LISTERINE® is sold as a mouthwash. The intent was to improve oral hygiene by adding it to the brushing process. It seems to have worked, because today, LISTERINE® is used by over a billion people around the world.