While toothbrushes are genuinely used to keep people's teeth healthy and avoid the need for emergency dentistry, it seems there are plenty more uses for such items.
A study by the British Dental Health Foundation has found that four in ten people use old brushes for cleaning bathroom tiles, while nearly one-third use them to scrape the dirt from kitchen devices.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the organisation, noted that there appear to be plenty of toothbrushes in people's homes that have taken on roles beyond their original capabilities.
He added: "We all should get through around four toothbrushes every year if we are to keep our oral health in tip-top condition. Generally people don't change their toothbrushes often enough."
Anyone unsure of which type of brush to purchase should be aware that both manual and electric models can do the job just as well if they are used in the correct way, according to Freelance Dental Nurse.