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Toothpaste Null-Terminator

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Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#71

Post by kaliszad »

TacticalCoder wrote: post #50
mrob wrote: post #29

I use an even simpler and more reliable system to avoid running out of toothpaste: brushing with plain water. Evidence suggests that brushing with toothpaste (called "dentifrice" in scientific papers) does not remove any more plaque than brushing without it. Here's a systematic review from 2016: >Does dentifrice use help to remove plaque? A systematic review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27513809/ "The cumulative e…

> I use an even simpler and more reliable system to avoid running out of toothpaste: brushing with plain water Breath though. Wouldn't fly with my wife. I not only brush with toothpaste, I then use some Hexetidine. And then I take a little Fisherman's Friend or something similar. I like the feeling of freshness. I don't care much about the actual effect: I just care about feeling fresh.

If you have proper dental hygiene there should be no smell from your mouth besides after spicy foods/ onions/ garlic etc. until you brush of the plaque. Or if you are sick (that goes mostly from the bacterial disbalance, the stomach etc.)

Of course, the minty freshness is nice to have but that is just a bonus. Most people rely on this to cover up bad hygiene but a proper dental hygienist will of course see the problems either way.

If you search my comments, I have written about dental hygiene at length. Source: my fiance is a DH, see neighbouring threads.

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#72

Post by joshstrange »

Buying a different toothpaste seems very odd, you need to ensure ordering to make this work so all the extra toothpastes are going to be in one spot. When you grab the last one then you order more or add it to your shopping list. Personally I don't let myself pick up or use the last item until I've ordered more to prevent "I'll remember to do that later", at worst I'll set a recurring hour reminder to buy more so I don't forget.

I just have rows of everything I use that's consumable in my pantry or bathroom closet (depending on the item) in rows. If the row is getting too deep then I need to skip/limit my subscribe and save (or skip buying more when it's on sale if it's not automatic), if it's down to the last item or two then I might order more.

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#73

Post by joshstrange »

Terr_ wrote: post #58

I do this but for something I think is even more critical: Toilet paper! (Running fully out is much worse.) The "last" roll of last resort is cheap 1-ply, and it serves as an unavoidable reminder to restock and replace it.

I just keep a 2-package buffer minimum. Only 2 unopened packages (of like 6 rolls)? You're out, order more or add it to the shopping list. Packages opened are effectively empty and don't count. Honestly I use this for most consumables, having that buffer is so nice.

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#74

Post by gumby »

quantified wrote: post #57
gumby wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The idea that a "minty fresh" mouth (or the idea that "mint" implies "fresh" at all) was the product of an ad campaign in the 1930s. It's not some sort of human universal.

It's way more fresh than lots of other scents. Much human effort has been spent eliminating unpleasant odors.

But the association could just as well be to cinnamon, or spearmint, or blueberry. US toothpaste aisles have little variation, especially when compared to other countries without the mint obsession.

Then again the flavor choices in US potato chips is extremely constrained too. Never seen the notorious "hedgehog flavoured" in the US!

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#77

Post by kennu »

Brushing teeth is a good example of activity where you use almost zero cognitive effort, because the daily routine is so automated. That's why it's so easy to forget to buy more toothpaste - you just don't think about it at all. I completely get the sentinel idea as a trigger that turns your brain back on. It's probably not just the different packaging, but also the different taste, that keeps reminding about it until you buy more of the usual stuff.

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#79

Post by tail_exchange »

adontz wrote: post #66
tail_exchange wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why is that?

For a neurodivergent person remembering to buy a toothpaste or just anything maybe quite challenging. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-dad-lost-in-the-supermarket...

That's a good read. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Toothpaste Null-Terminator

#80

Post by lsaferite »

a_wild_dandan wrote: post #28
arketyp wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just put my running-out items on the entryway table.

Me too! If I must take out some forgettable item, it sits blocking the door.

Blocking the door is my go-to way of making sure I don't forget something when leaving the house.
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