Can You Mix Vaseline and Toothpaste?

Toothpaste and Vaseline are two bathroom staples found in most households. Toothpaste cleans and whitens teeth, removing plaque and bacteria. Vaseline is petroleum jelly used to moisturize and protect skin. Both toiletry products, toothpaste and Vaseline, have different purposes and formulations. Yet some claim mixing a dollop of Vaseline into toothpaste has teeth-benefiting properties. Before trying this unusual blend, it’s smart to ask – is it safe and effective to mix Vaseline and toothpaste? Can these two products be combined into a DIY oral care product? Or could this do more harm than good for your pearly whites? Let’s look at the science behind this questionable bathroom mix.

Executive Summary

While some people claim mixing Vaseline into toothpaste provides teeth and gum benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Vaseline is petroleum jelly that softens and moisturizes skin, but it does not have any properties to improve oral health or whiten teeth when blended with toothpaste. Since Vaseline is not designed to be ingested, swallowing it could cause lipoid pneumonia. Overall, dentists do not recommend mixing Vaseline with toothpaste, as the risks outweigh any unproven benefits. For healthy teeth and gums, stick to using regular fluoride toothpaste and proper brushing techniques. Vaseline is best used solely as a skin protectant, not mixed into toothpaste.

Mixing Vaseline and Toothpaste is Not Recommended

Some people claim that mixing a bit of Vaseline petroleum jelly into your toothpaste can benefit oral health. However, dentists and dental organizations do not recommend this mixing hack.

Toothpaste and Vaseline Have Different Purposes

• Toothpaste contains ingredients like fluoride, antibacterials, and abrasives to clean teeth and improve dental hygiene when used as directed.
• Vaseline is petroleum jelly used topically to moisturize skin, lips, and hair and protect against dryness. It is not intended to be used in the mouth.

No Evidence Vaseline Improves Oral Health

• No scientific studies are proving Vaseline offers any benefits to teeth or gums when added to toothpaste.
• Vaseline does not contain fluoride, plaque-fighting abilities, or teeth-whitening properties.

Potential Health Risks

• Since Vaseline is not meant to be swallowed, mixing it with toothpaste, you brush your teeth with poses safety concerns if accidentally ingested.
• Lipoid pneumonia is a potential risk if Vaseline enters the lungs after ingestion.

Slippery Texture Not Ideal for Brushing

• Vaseline may make toothpaste feel creamier, but this increased slipperiness makes it less effective at mechanically removing plaque.
• The coating action can allow more plaque and bacteria to adhere to the teeth.

Better Products for Dry Mouth Symptoms

• Products designed for dry mouth contain ingredients that actually stimulate saliva. Vaseline only temporarily coats.
• Sugar-free gum, oral sprays, gels, and prescription meds are safer options for dry mouth.

Whitening Claims Not Supported

• While some claim Vaseline whitens teeth, it does not contain any bleaching agents or enzymes that whiten enamel.
• Only abrasives in toothpaste can polish away stains, not pure petroleum jelly.

Consult Your Dentist About Oral Health Concerns

• Instead of DIY approaches, have your dentist diagnose and properly treat any dental issues.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months.

Follow Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

For healthy teeth and gums, experts recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing once daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Drinking plenty of water and limiting sugary drinks.
• Avoiding tobacco products like cigarettes.

Vaseline is Best Reserved for Skin

Instead of using it in the mouth, use Vaseline to:

• Moisturize and protect lips, cuticles, and rough skin patches
• Soothe minor skin irritations, burns, or rashes
• Tame flyaway hairs and condition hair ends
• Remove makeup

So, in summary, mixing Vaseline with toothpaste is an unnecessary oral health risk. Listen to your dentist and use products as intended – toothpaste for your teeth, Vaseline for your skin.

Other Uses for Vaseline and Toothpaste

Vaseline petroleum jelly and toothpaste are bathroom staples that most people have on hand. While it’s not advised to blend Vaseline and toothpaste, each product can be used creatively in other ways beyond their standard uses.

Unexpected Uses for Vaseline

Vaseline is petroleum jelly that can moisturize and protect skin. But it also has many other household purposes:

Dry Skin and Lip Care

• Heal dry, cracked hands, heels, elbows
• Soothe chapped, flaky lips
• Soften rough cuticles and calluses

Hair Care

• Tame flyaways and frizz
• Smooth and condition hair ends
• Temporary styling gel or pomade

Makeup Remover

• Gently breaks down makeup and mascara
• Remove eye makeup smears

Lubricate Nails

• Soften cuticles to push back
• Allow hangnails to grow out without catching
• Apply before nail trimming to prevent splits

Protect Minor Burns or Scrapes

• Forms barrier over damaged skin
• Locks in moisture to promote healing

DIY Lip Balm or Lip Gloss

• Mix with sugar to make a lip scrub
• Add food coloring for tinted gloss
• Flavor with mint or fruit extracts

Unstick Sticky Zippers

• Rub on zipper teeth to help unstick
• It also lubricates tough-to-open zip locks

Deodorize Feet

• Conditions leather bags, shoes, furniture
• Leaves a glossy, water-resistant finish

Shine and Protect Leather

• Conditions leather bags, shoes, furniture
• Leaves a glossy, water-resistant finish

Separate Stuck Legos

Rub between stuck Lego bricks to separate.

Unexpected Uses for Toothpaste

Besides oral hygiene, toothpaste containing abrasives can be used to clean and polish:

Jewelry Cleaner

• Gently scrub toothpaste into tarnished silver with a soft cloth
• Works on gold, diamonds, gems – avoids damage from soaking
• Rinse thoroughly after polishing

Remove Scuffs from Leather Shoes

• Rub the toothpaste into the leather with a damp cloth
• Wipe away scuff marks effectively
• Rinse and let air dry

Clean Piano Keys

• Toothpaste safely scrubs away the grime on ivory or plastic keys
• Won’t harm finish like other cleaners
• Wipe keys down afterward and buff dry

Shine Bathroom Fixtures

• Use toothpaste and a rag to polish chrome, steel, porcelain
• Removes soap scum and water spots from faucets, showerheads
• Rinse completely after scrubbing

Remove Carpet Stains

• Work a small amount of toothpaste into fresh stains with a brush
• Helps pull out dirt, grease, ink
• Blot the area with water and absorb it with paper towels

Clean Headlights

• Use toothpaste and a rag to polish foggy, yellowed headlights
• It helps restore visibility and shine
• Rinse residue after buffing

Destiny Smelly Hands

• Rubbing hands with minty toothpaste can help remove stubborn odors
• Toothpaste is abrasive enough to break down odor molecules
• Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing

Detail Golf Clubs

• Scrub grimy, dirty clubheads with a toothpaste-soaked rag
• Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry for a gleaming finish
• Safe for use on irons, woods, and putters

Polish DVDs and CDs

• Toothpaste gently cleans away dust, fingerprints, and scratches
• Use a soft cloth to rub discs in straight lines
• Rinse and wipe dry after polishing

Clean Tile Grout

• Spread toothpaste directly onto dirty grout lines
• Let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing
• Whitens and freshens discolored grout

So, while Vaseline and toothpaste should not be blended, each product has many helpful uses separate from their intended purposes. Explore creative ways to use Vaseline and toothpaste around your home.

Uses for Vaseline

Vaseline petroleum jelly is known for moisturizing and protecting skin. But it has many other helpful uses beyond just a body lotion. Explore creative ways to use Vaseline, from beauty to first aid to household tasks.

Moisturizing Dry Skin

Vaseline is an occlusive moisturizer that coats skin to lock in hydration. It’s excellent for very dry areas:

• Rub into cracked heels, hands, and elbows before bed. Cover with socks.
• Smear on chapped lips as an overnight mask.
• Massage into cuticles and hangnails to soften.
• Apply lightly to prevent windburn on the face.

Protecting Minor Cuts and Burns

Vaseline can protect damaged skin and promote healing:

• Cover scrapes, blisters, and minor burns with a bandage coated in Vaseline to lock in moisture.
• It forms a breathable barrier to prevent infection and speed recovery.
• Apply after a tattoo for protection without petroleum interfering with ink.

Removing Makeup

The thick jelly helps gently dissolve makeup without tugging at delicate skin:

• Smooth on the eye area to melt away even waterproof mascara.
• Massage onto lips to easily take off long-wearing liquid lipstick.
• Rub onto eyelashes before washing face to protect lashes.

Preventing Chafing

The lubricating properties of Vaseline prevent skin-on-skin rubbing:

• Apply to inner thighs, underarms, and behind knees before exercise.
• It helps reduce friction that leads to painful chafing.
• Smooths onto feet before long runs to minimize blisters.

Softening Leather

• Use a thin coat to condition leather bags, shoes, jackets, and furniture.
• Leaves a non-greasy, protective shine.

Unsticking Sticky Zippers

• Rub along zipper teeth to help loosen stuck zippers.
• It also helps lubricate tough-to-open plastic zip-top bags.

Taming Flyaway Hairs

• Lightly coat palms and smooth over unruly flyaways and frizz for sleeker hair.
• Defines curls and provides a light hold.

Soothing Diaper Rash

• Protects delicate baby bottoms from further irritation.
• Allows skin to heal while sealing out wetness.

Lubricating Nails

• Soften cuticles for easy pushing back with Vaseline as nail prep.
• It helps hangnails grow out smoothly without catching and tearing.

Deodorizing Feet

Apply a thin layer to minimize sweaty slippage and odor.
So keep this versatile multitasker stocked for all its moisturizing, protecting, and lubricating abilities beyond basic skin care. 100% pure Vaseline jelly has endless household uses.

Uses for Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a bathroom essential for cleaning teeth. But besides oral hygiene, toothpaste can be used in various unexpected ways around the home for cleaning, polishing, and more.

Brushing Teeth and Freshening Breath

This is the main use for toothpaste, but technique matters:

• Apply a pea-sized amount to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Gently brush teeth and gums thoroughly for 2 minutes.
• Rinse mouth well after brushing.
• Brush twice daily and floss once daily.

Cleaning Jewelry

The mild abrasives in toothpaste can polish jewelry:

• Rub a small amount onto tarnished silver with a soft cloth.
• Rinse thoroughly and buff dry. Works well for gold, platinum, and gems.
• Avoid using pearls, opals, or porous stones.

Removing Stains from Clothing

For fresh stains, toothpaste can help lift out dirt:

• For ink stains, apply toothpaste and scrub with a toothbrush.
• Work into grease stains and allow to dry before laundering as usual.
• Rinse any excess toothpaste out of clothing before washing.

Soothing Insect Bites

The menthol and baking soda can relieve itchy insect bites:

• Dab toothpaste onto mosquito, bee, and wasp sting sites.
• Provides a cooling, soothing effect on inflamed skin.
• Rinse off after 5-10 minutes.

Cleaning Leather

• Rub toothpaste gently into scuffs on leather shoes, bags, and furniture.
• Wipe away marks with a damp cloth.
• Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Shine Chrome and Bathroom Fixtures

• Use toothpaste and a rag to polish faucets, sinks, and showers.
• Removes soap scum, hard water stains, and discoloration.

Whitening Piano Keys

• An old toothbrush and toothpaste can clean piano keys.
• Scrubs away dirt and grime safely.
• Rinse and wipe completely dry.

So keep this bathroom staple on hand for its many surprising uses beyond just brushing your teeth – toothpaste is a versatile cleaner!

FAQs

Why do people mix Vaseline with toothpaste?

There are a few reasons people try adding Vaseline to their toothpaste:

• It moisturizes, strengthens, and protects teeth and gums. However, no studies support Vaseline having these effects.
• Makes the texture of toothpaste creamier and thicker. Vaseline can give a smoother mouthfeel.
• It helps combat dry mouth and lips. But products like lip balm are better for this.
• Whitens teeth. In truth, Vaseline does not have whitening abilities.
• Removes plaque and polishes teeth. Vaseline does not have abrasive properties to accomplish this.

Is it safe to mix Vaseline and toothpaste?

No research proves it is unsafe to mix small amounts of Vaseline into toothpaste, but no evidence it is completely harmless long-term either. Potential risks include:

• Accidentally swallowing Vaseline can cause lipoid pneumonia.
• Vaseline coating could allow plaque to build up.
• Unknown impact of ingesting petroleum byproduct daily.

Without scientific studies, dentists consider it safer to keep Vaseline away from toothpaste.

Does mixing Vaseline with toothpaste provide any oral health benefits?

According to dentists, mixing Vaseline with toothpaste does not provide additional oral health benefits. Vaseline does not contain fluoride, antibacterial agents, or plaque removal abilities. Any claims of Vaseline improving tooth and gum health are anecdotal and not research-based.

Can Vaseline whiten teeth if mixed with toothpaste?

No, Vaseline does not have any teeth-whitening abilities. Only toothpaste containing abrasives, bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, or enzymes can chemically whiten and brighten teeth. Pure petroleum jelly like Vaseline does not contain any whitening ingredients or properties.

Is mixing Vaseline and toothpaste a good remedy for dry mouth?

Vaseline may temporarily coat and lubricate the mouth, giving a moisturized feeling. But it can also coat the teeth and prevent saliva from reaching the enamel. Instead, dry mouth products contain ingredients that stimulate saliva production. Sugar-free gum, oral sprays, gels, and prescription medications are better for chronic dry mouth.

What toothpastes already contain petroleum jelly?

Some toothpastes include mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and paraffin wax to help create a gel-like texture. But these are highly purified grades approved for oral use, unlike the Vaseline petroleum jelly for the skin. Always check your toothpaste label and use as directed.

What do dentists say about using Vaseline on teeth?

The consensus among dentists is that Vaseline should not be used in contact with teeth. Vaseline coats the teeth rather than penetrating crevices. This can allow plaque to build up and bacteria to flourish. Sticking to regular fluoride toothpaste is the safest, most effective option.

What are better alternatives to Vaseline for oral health?

Instead of Vaseline, use products designed specifically for oral health, like:

• Fluoride toothpaste to clean teeth and strengthen enamel.
• Antibacterial mouthwash to freshen breath.
• Dry mouth gels and sprays to stimulate saliva.
• Lip balms and glosses to moisturize and protect lips.
• Dental treatments prescribed by your dentist.

What are the best ways to care for your teeth and gums?

Rather than DIY fixes like Vaseline toothpaste, dentists recommend:

• Brushing properly twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing once daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months.
• Avoiding excessive sugar, acidic or sticky foods.
• Drinking plenty of water and limiting sodas or juices.
• Stopping smoking and tobacco use.

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Final Words

In conclusion, there is no evidence that mixing Vaseline into toothpaste provides oral health benefits or is safer than regular toothpaste. While Vaseline may alter the texture slightly, it does not have plaque-fighting, whitening, or gum-protecting properties when added to toothpaste. Since Vaseline is a petroleum product not meant to be ingested, it could pose aspiration risks if accidentally swallowed after blending into toothpaste. Dentists caution against using Vaseline on teeth. For optimum oral hygiene, use a standard fluoride toothpaste as directed. Vaseline is best reserved solely for its intended use as a moisturizer for lips, skin, and hair, not as an additive to toothpaste.