how much toothpaste?

[texasheathers]

Ok, I got 8 tubes of free toothpaste this week at Walgreens. We are a family of five - but three of them are small children and need children's toothpaste.

SO - how much grown up toothpaste - would you get to stockpile?? Does toothpaste get old??

I can get toothpaste next week for like .25 cents a tube - more grown up toothpaste of course - but the question is - should I??

I need some children's toothpaste obvioulsy! But, while I can get regular toothpaste for .25 cents - should I get it - or just be happy with my 8 free tubes???

Basically - is 8 tubes of toothpaste enough for two adults for a year?? Or until the next free toothpaste deal comes around!!?? :shrug7: I really have not paid attention to how quickly we use toothpaste. My husband and I each have our own tube because he's supremely picky and must have cinnamon - but I told him those days are over - he is using whatever is FREE FREE FREE! He said ok - lol.

Heather

[mama22qts]

I wouldn't spend any money on toothpaste. There's plenty of time for the next freebie to come around.

I never used kiddie toothpaste on my kids -- just the regular Crest. I used a much smaller amount though.

[isis]

DH and I go through a 4 oz tube (we share) every month and a month & 1/2 for the larger tubes, so I figure on 12 for the year, but I've been getting so many for free from CVS deals, that I've got a 2 year supply!

As far as kids TP, I get free tubes when they go to the dentist. Its the travel size, but 4 lasts a while. I also bought 2 Aquafresh kids on clearance at Walgreens a few months ago....after coupon, it was pennies.

As far as exp, there is one stamped on the box. I've used one 6 months past the exp date. I'll have to ask the dentist next time I go how far past the exp date are they still good.

[cinstreshick]

I figure as long as it's free I will get as many as I can. I've had about 25 6.4 oz tubes and when my family was here from out of town this past weekend I sent everyone home with LOADS of toothpaste. They were all thrilled!!

[Kitter Kat]

I only pick up toothpaste if it's free and I end up with so much I'm constantly giving it away. I'd save your quarters if I were you. And do watch the expiration dates. When I donate I pull the ones that are expiring first to give away. The 12 tubes I currently have stockpiled don't expire until 2010. :)

[coupondink]

I don't think toothpaste goes bad. I have used them years old. :)
I would be an interesting experiment to try to see how long it will last.

Here is what I recommend. Start a simple usage chart. I did this year ago and it helped me pinpoint how much to donate out of the neverending freebies, like toothpaste. Simply write down all the things that you use regularly, like toothpaste, laundry detergent, shampoo. When you start a new bottle, write the date down. Each time, write the date down. After a few months, you will have a good idea how quickly you use up these products. Then stockpile all the freebies you can until a magic number or expiration date (whatever you are most comfortable with). If you are not comfy with using toothpaste past the expiration date, then stockpile as much as you can use until that date. Donate the rest. If you are comfy with using items past their expire date (like I am on many items), then figure out how much you need for say, three years.

[computerguy923]

According to many Dentists, toothpaste does not go bad. That being said, older toothpaste may not have the same flavor when it gets older, but as far as the brushing part, it will do that just fine. My understanding is it only has an expiration date because the gov't requires one.

[mucci]

I have several,and on mine it says, exp 2010,but I think it would last far beyond that!!

[hcwhcw]

DH and I go through a 4 oz tube (we share) every month

Fwiw, my toothpaste usage is about the same as this - I go through a 6 or 6.4 oz tube in about 3 months, or the equivalent of 2 oz a month.

Here is what I recommend. Start a simple usage chart. I did this year ago and it helped me pinpoint how much to donate out of the neverending freebies, like toothpaste. Simply write down all the things that you use regularly, like toothpaste, laundry detergent, shampoo. When you start a new bottle, write the date down. Each time, write the date down. After a few months, you will have a good idea how quickly you use up these products.

I second this recommendation. I did something similar. You don't even have to wait until the item is used up to figure out your usage level. Just eyeball the container and guesstimate how much is one ounce (counting down from the top of the container), put a line there, put a date on the bottle, and see how long it takes you to get to that point. Once you know approximately how long 1 oz lasts you, you can do the math from there out. I.e., if one ounce of something lasts you a half a month, then you know a six ounce container should last you three months. If you don't trust your ability to guesstimate where the one ounce mark would be, then just use a 1 oz travel or trial size.

Re toothpaste expiration date, I see people saying it doesn't really matter. I would think the toothpaste would still be effective as far as being a mechanical brushing aid, but the flavor might change a little (depending on how out-of-date) and/or the antibacterial/anti-tartar qualities might start to lessen (depending on whether it's that kind of toothpaste).

[cherryred]

For the PP that said they use regular Crest for their kids...I wish I could get mine to try it. Gotta have bubblegum flavor in this house! LOL!