The multifunctional toothbrush

Who knew there were so many uses for a typical toothbrush? Granted, its original calling as the first line of defense in better oral health and hygiene is paramount, but thanks to folks at BellaSugar, you may have a new reason to talk up the toothbrush with your patients.

It might be the, "Did you know it is perfect for helping to clean ears of corn?" that catches their interest, but what you're really doing is using a finding a new way to talk about homecare basics. It might seem like a bait-and-switch tactic, but considering how many folks zone out as soon as you mention brushing and flossing, finding a new angle may be just the ticket.

Some of my favorite uses from the BellaSugar list include:

Exfoliate lips: Swiping your lips with a toothbrush will get rid of rough spots for smooth lipstick application. Use a mix of olive oil and brown sugar to create a quick lip exfoliator for added moisture.

Splatter paint: Create graffiti-inspired nail art using a toothbrush to splatter polish. Layer multiple different colors to get a Jackson Pollock-esque design.

Lush lashes: A fan brush works well to separate lashes. Don't have one? A toothbrush will work just as well. Just wiggle it gently from root to tip to get clump-free eyelashes.

Other fun sources of material?

Real Simple looks at a new uses for toothbrushes and toothpaste.

The Happy Housewife takes a more cleaning-based angle to alternative uses.