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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect guests to bring toothpaste?

319 replies

peanacat · 25/04/2019 20:22

Please settle a debate, all the guests we have from dh side (family and friends it seems) never bring their own toothpaste to use when they visit. Never been an issue with my side of the family. (Geographical thing maybe?)

Me and dh share toothpaste but I find it weird that people don’t bring their own to use when they visit and we have to share ours with the guests?

I have no idea why it irritates me so much, but just seems weird and kinda germy Confused
Do you all take toothpaste when you go and stay somewhere?

OP posts:
BlueSkiesLies · 25/04/2019 20:46

It’s toothpaste. Not your dildo.

Totally normal to share.

AuntMarch · 25/04/2019 20:48

My brush doesn't touch the tube?
And where people are saying you'd just pack it at the same time as your toothbrush, that only works if you are the only one using the tube in the first place (in which case you are already weird and likely to be packing it) , or the whole household is travelling together.

saraclara · 25/04/2019 20:48

I'd never use a host's toothpaste except in emergencies! Do people not take a washbag of stuff when they stay over with friends? If you're going to take a toothbrush, surely you'd take the paste too?

It's never occurred to me that a guest might use my toothpaste! I'm not horrified at the idea, but when I visit, I see my host's toiletries as their personal items.

Ugh...you toothpaste stealers don't use their roll on deoderant too, do you?!

Islaofsilly · 25/04/2019 20:49

I do take my own but if I forgot I wouldn’t think twice about borrowing someone else’s. At least I wouldn’t have until reading this thread. Has literally never occurred to me.

MikeUniformMike · 25/04/2019 20:49

I wouldn't mind if they used my toothpaste but I'd mind if they used my toothbrush or comb, or if they helped themselves to things in the bathroom cabinet - say they used up all the tampons without telling me and I didn't know that they had.
I'd be annoyed if they used my makeup but not moisturiser or body lotion in a pump or tube.

TheBigFatMermaid · 25/04/2019 20:50

Not a chance I would share a tooth brush but I would not bat an eyelid at sharing toothpaste. I probably wouldn't even notice.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 25/04/2019 20:50

I would bring toothpaste, and shower gel, to someone’s house, as well as shampoo, conditioner etc. If someone asked to use mine I would assume they had forgotten.

I used to have an ex who lived on the other side of the country, and we would frequently meet in hotels for weekends, between where we both lived. He would never bring toothpaste, because he would assume I would have. I found that v odd.

NuffSaidSam · 25/04/2019 20:50

'And no I wouldn’t expect them to bring shower gel or shampoos etc, because they don’t touch anything when you use them'

Wtf is your toothpaste touching?!?!

I think you're using toothpaste wrong! Do you and DH clean your teeth differently? Maybe that explains the difference of opinion?

Sparklingbrook · 25/04/2019 20:51

Lol at 'toothpaste stealers'.

Anything in my bathroom is up for grabs as far as I am concerned. Stuff toiletry wise I want to be precious about I don't keep in there.

I don't use roll on deodorant, but don't see the connection to toothpaste-it's not comparable.

phoenixrosehere · 25/04/2019 20:52

I usually bring my own but have forgotten in the past and think to borrow my husband’s only to then remember he doesn’t bring any if we’re staying with his parents so use whatever they have.

I don’t touch the toothbrush bristles to where the toothpaste comes out so I would hope it wouldn’t be an issue.

Thatsashame · 25/04/2019 20:52

First world problem. Do you hleach the loo seat inbetween uses too....?

Wheresthebeach · 25/04/2019 20:53

How funny...always take my own toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel. Never occurred to me not to...

Mum2jenny · 25/04/2019 20:54

I'd always take my shower gel as I can be allergic to some products. But I never plan to use toiletries at others houses.
Hotels I will expect them to provide, even if I choose not to use them, but never at friends and families houses.

ImNotHappyaboutitPauline · 25/04/2019 20:54

Although I do actually bring my own toothpaste when staying with people, that's only because there's a particular brand I use and don't feel "clean" without it. It wouldn't cost me second thought if guests just use ours.

The only guests we ever have for more than one night are either my db, SIL and their 4 dc OR DHs dsis, her partner and their 4 dc. I tend to tell them not to bother with any toiletries as I figure packing for and traveling with 4 dc is enough faff for anyone without having to remember odds and sods that we'll already have.

LaurieMarlow · 25/04/2019 20:55

It’s toothpaste. Not your dildo.

Grin
Spinnaret · 25/04/2019 20:55

I take flowers, wine and chocolates, and yes, food if they ask. I also take my own towel. I do not expect my friends to provide a full set of toiletries as you would get in a hotel. But sure, take it to the extreme.

I don't 'begrudge' people using toothpaste (hence I said I provide it for those who forget), but I also don't expect them to deliberately choose not to bring toiletries.

CrispbuttyNo1 · 25/04/2019 20:56

Im confused. When i put toothpaste on the brush, the first bit out goes on the brush, the last bit doesnt touch it, so I dont see how any germs can be transferred.

It also wouldnt bother me about guests using the toothpaste or any other random toiletry in the bathroom either.

Lulu1919 · 25/04/2019 20:56

Visiting friends..take my own
Visiting my dad....use theirs
Always have some in my toiletries bag though so....

puppy23 · 25/04/2019 20:57

I'd find it weird and uncomfortable if a guest used mine, but then I don't share mine with anyone anyway

LaurieMarlow · 25/04/2019 20:57

If you’re worried about cross contamination of germs from toothpaste sharing you need to calm the fuck down.

akerman · 25/04/2019 20:57

Take my own toothpaste. Wouldn't worry me in the least if a guest used mine though. Also my bristles don't touch the paste, I don't think. I squeeze and the paste lands on my brush.

SoyDora · 25/04/2019 20:58

I’ve never taken my own towel when staying with friends/family either. And always provide towels for guests staying with us.
We have guests fairly regularly and have a fully stocked ‘main bathroom’... shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste etc. There’s even a brand new pack or disposable razors in case anyone wants them.

category12 · 25/04/2019 20:59

Weird. You squeeze the toothpaste out onto the brush, you don't stick the brush into the toothpaste - I don't see where the hygiene issue is?

And no, it wouldn't bother me a bit if a guest used the toothpaste.

MoreCookiesPlease · 25/04/2019 21:00

I've never heard of someone expecting to use another person's toothpaste - the brush touches the paste...

Weird. No it doesn't. The paste touches the brush, then you squeeze and lift the tube up and off. Or are you scraping the bristles of your brush against the opening of the tube?

rosablue · 25/04/2019 21:00

My dentist always has a basket of toothpaste samples to help yourself to so I take one each visit to keep for my sponge bag and to leave in the guest bathroom if anyone needs it. I also have a pack of 5-for-a-pound toothbrushes in case anyone needs a toothbrush (or if I need one to take somewhere for a couple of days and don’t want to faff about with an electric toothbrush) and soaps etc from hotels in case guests need anything.