Forget brushing your teeth. Toothpaste can be used all over your home

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Toothpaste keeps breath minty fresh, but it can have a lot of uses besides dental care. At only a few dollars a tube, it is an inexpensive way to solve many household problems. For an even cheaper fix, you can often find a tube for only a dollar at a discount store.
These creative solutions use toothpaste in unique ways. From cleaning and freshening to solving problems in a pinch, you'll find you can easily reach for a tube and get the job done.
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Hang a picture with ease
Hanging one picture perfectly straight is enough of a challenge, but hanging a picture collage is even more complicated. Toothpaste provides a solution for putting nails in the right places the first time. All you need to do is add a dab on the back of the painting and press it on the wall. The toothpaste transfers to the wall and shows where to place the nails.
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Remove tough coffee stains from fave mug (h/t Holly Grace)
Cup after cup of coffee or hot tea can take a toll on your favorite mug and leave a brown stain. All you need to do to gently remove it is to smear a bit of toothpaste on mug and let it sit for a few minutes before washing as normal. It will gently polish off the stain without damaging the smooth surface of the mug.
Get rid of permanent marker
Sharpies and other permanent markers are great at staying exactly where you don't want them. Wood, glass, metal and even skin can be wiped free of permanent marker with a generous dab of toothpaste. Gently rub the toothpaste in with a soft cloth until all the marker disappears. See full tutorial here.
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Remove watermarks from furniture
Watermarks can scar the surface of furniture with unsightly white rings and spots. Gently polish them away with a generous squirt of a basic toothpaste. Gently rub it until the mark disappears and wipe clean.
Stop skipping discs
There's nothing worse than a CD or DVD that skips – especially if it's one of your favorites. You may think it is just trash, but you can sometimes save scratched discs with some nongel toothpaste. It will gently buff the edges of the scratch and allow the laser to read more accurately.
Clear off foggy headlights
The clear plastic of car headlights turn foggy and cloudy over time, causing a vehicle to look older and the headlights less bright. You can spend money on an expensive kit, but there is no need. Instead, turn to toothpaste. It will gently buff away the foggy appearance and leave behind headlights that look as good as new! See full tutorial here.
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Fill a hole
Small holes in the walls of an apartment or dorm could cost you big time, but you don't need to rush out and purchase anything special. You can quickly patch holes with white toothpaste. Simply fill the hole and use a straight, flat edge to make it level. A ruler or the edge of an index card will work.
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Clear up a pimple
Toothpaste actually can be used on your face to help clear up blemishes, pimples and acne. It contains drying ingredients that help reduce inflammation and redness. Simply dab it on the trouble spot at night and wash off in the morning.
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Clean the sink
Those drips and drops of toothpaste left in the sink do not need to go to waste: You can use them to clean the sink. Simply rub the toothpaste in with the corner of a towel or a cleaning rag and rinse to reveal a shiny, spotless sink. As an added bonus, no harsh chemical smells happen when you use a minty toothpaste. See full tutorial here.
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Brighten your shoes
The toes of your Converse, white running shoes and your favorite sneakers – they all become a bit grungy over time. An effective way to brighten them to a like-new white is to use toothpaste. Gently rub toothpaste over the soiled area with a damp washcloth, then wipe dry.
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Deodorize baby bottles
Plastic baby bottles and sippy cups can absorb odors after a while, especially if left in the car or under the couch. You can rid them of any funky odors by simply washing them out with toothpaste. Just make sure you rinse extremely well.
Polish silver jewelry
Silver tarnishes easily, especially special pieces that aren't worn or used often. To get it shining again, all you need is a good toothpaste containing baking soda. Rub it gently onto the jewelry with a damp washcloth. An old toothbrush can help you get into small areas and tight spots. Get full tutorial here.
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Help remove stains from nails
If you are suffering from stained nails, try applying a coat of toothpaste. Gently rub the toothpaste into the nails with a clean toothbrush. This will cause a foaming reaction as the toothpaste does the work of removing the stains. Rinse thoroughly. Remember, the key to healthy nails is prevention. Be sure to check out the top foods that make your nails strong naturally.
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