<ul class="summary-list"><li>Clinicians wrote about unusual cases this year, including a hairy tongue and a vitamin D overdose.</li><li><strong>Medical case reports are published to outline rare signs and symp</strong>toms and in<strong>novative treatments.</strong></li></ul><p>Clinicians wrote about fascinating cases in 2022, including that of a man who developed a black, hairy tongue following a stroke and that of another man who took 80 times the recommended amount of vitamin D.</p><p>Clinicians publish case reports in scientific journals about unusual or rare things that happen to patients to inform their peers without needing to do comprehensive research, which can be time-consuming and expensive.</p><p>Case reports tend to shed light on unexpected symptoms, rare side effects, or innovative approaches to treatment, but usually more research is needed to support the findings.</p><p>This year, for example, Insider reported on a woman who was <a href="https://www.insider.com/woman-dentist-swollen-jaw-lump-diagnosed-breast-cancer-symptoms-2022-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">given a diagnosis of breast cancer</a> after going to the dentist with a swollen jaw; a man with a <a href="https://www.insider.com/man-er-abdominal-pain-doctors-giant-gallstone-symptoms-signs-surgery-2022-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"giant" gallstone</a>; and a woman who took <a href="https://www.insider.com/woman-hospitalized-after-taking-cbd-with-herbal-supplement-for-months-2022-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">six times</a> the recommended dose of CBD.</p><p>Below are three other interesting case reports from 2022.</p><h2>A man <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-supplement-overdose-man-hospitalized-calcium-organ-damage-2022-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overdosed on vitamin D</a> after taking 80 times the recommended amount</h2><p>A case report <a href="https://casereports.bmj.com/content/15/7/e250553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published in BMJ Case Reports</a> in July described a middle-aged man who was hospitalized with diarrhea, weight loss, and ringing in his ears after taking 80 times the recommended amount of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/study-identifies-link-between-vitamin-d-levels-and-covid-19-severity-2022-2?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D</a> for a month.</p><p>The clinicians wrote that a private nutritionist had told the unnamed man to take the vitamin D supplement alongside 19 others.</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/diet-nutrition/vitamin-d-foods">Vitamin D</a> is fundamental for bone health and obtained naturally from sunlight and foods like mushrooms and oily fish. If taken in large amounts, usually from supplements, it can be toxic to organs including the kidneys, gut, and heart.</p><p>A blood test showed that the man's <a href="https://www.insider.com/supplements-can-become-lethal-combined-with-prescription-drugs-calcium-iron-2022-5">vitamin D</a> levels were at seven times the recommended amount, that his calcium levels were dangerously high, and that his kidneys were at risk of damage.</p><p>Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium in the body, so an overdose can cause <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/hypercalcaemia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high calcium</a> levels, which can result in neurological symptoms including drowsiness, psychosis, and coma. It takes about two months for the body to clear half the amount of vitamin D taken, so symptoms can last for weeks, the report's authors said.</p><p>They said that the man's case was uncommon but that excessive levels of <a href="https://www.insider.com/experts-why-multivitamins-vitamin-e-are-a-waste-of-money-2022-6">vitamin D</a> can have "debilitating" effects on the body.</p><p>They said that while taking the recommended dose of vitamin D is safe, they encouraged people to speak with a doctor before starting an alternative therapy or over-the-counter medications.</p><h2>A man had to quit sex after he developed rare <a href="https://www.insider.com/man-flu-symptoms-after-sex-post-orgasmic-illness-syndrome-2022-10">'post-orgasmic illness syndrome'</a></h2><p>A case study <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214442022002017#!" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published in the medical journal Urology Case Reports</a> in November described a 27-year-old man who'd quit having sex until he was prescribed an antihistamine that stopped him from experiencing flu-like symptoms every time he ejaculated.</p><p>The unnamed man from Michigan experienced symptoms including coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, and a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/hives-vs-rash" rel="">hive</a>-like rash after he ejaculated, whether he <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/sex-relationships/masturbation-affect-immunity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">masturbated</a> or had sex.</p><p>Doctors believe it was due to post-orgasmic illness syndrome, which causes <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/flu-symptoms">flu-like</a> and allergy-like symptoms after a person orgasms after sexual activity or masturbation or spontaneously during sleep. <a href="https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10809/postorgasmic-illness-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Symptoms can last</a> up to a week.</p><p>The report suggested that while the cause is unknown, the condition has affected at least 60 people in the past 20 years.</p><p>There are no proven treatments, but the report said an antihistamine called fexofenadine led to a 90% reduction in the patient's symptoms — including the rash — allowing him to have sex again.</p><p>The report's authors said fexofenadine needed to be studied more to know whether it could help others with POIS.</p><h2>A man developed a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-hairy-tongue-stroke-india-case-report-2022-3?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">black, hairy tongue</a> after changing his diet</h2><p>A report <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2789440" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published in JAMA Dermatology</a> in March described a man in his 50s who developed a black, hairy tongue after a stroke forced him to eat a diet of pureed food.</p><p>The dermatologists wrote in the report that black hairy tongue is more likely to occur in people on a pureed diet. It forms because of a lack of abrasion or stimulation on the top of the tongue, leading to a buildup of a protein called keratin. As a result, conical projections covering the tongue called filiform papillae get long and take on a hairlike appearance.</p><p>A person may also get a hairy tongue because they have poor oral hygiene, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/quitting-smoking-save-money-lifetime-2022-3?r=US&amp;IR=T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smoke</a> cigarettes, use oxidizing mouthwashes or oral antibiotics, drink excessive amounts of coffee or tea, or have conditions that suppress the immune system such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/hiv-cures-cancer-treatment-natural-control-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HIV</a> or cancer.</p><p>In this case, the report said, most of the man's tongue had a thick, black coating, sparing the sides and middle part.</p><p>Black hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless condition that usually gets better by brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper.</p><p>The clinicians wrote that the man's condition resolved after 20 days with "proper cleansing."</p>

From a man with a black, hairy tongue to a vitamin D overdose, here are 3 fascinating medical cases from 2022

<p><em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks</a><span> </span>writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.</em></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=25003&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fblack-chicken-remedies-cuprum-tongue-cleaner-copper-tongue-cleaner-1-pack-prod215920227%3Fecid%3DNMCS__GooglePLA%26utm_source%3Dgoogle_shopping%26adpos%3D1o1%26scid%3Dscplpsku182670843%26sc_intid%3Dsku182670843%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIyfLTjaSv4gIVB2SGCh0JHA-ZEAQYASABEgI4V_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5ce55742021b4c7b2f1990c3-1200/nmc4v5cbz.jpg" border="0" alt="NMC4V5C_bz" data-mce-source="Neiman Marcus" /></a><p class="source"><span>Neiman Marcus</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>I use a <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=25003&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fblack-chicken-remedies-cuprum-tongue-cleaner-copper-tongue-cleaner-1-pack-prod215920227%3Fecid%3DNMCS__GooglePLA%26utm_source%3Dgoogle_shopping%26adpos%3D1o1%26scid%3Dscplpsku182670843%26sc_intid%3Dsku182670843%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIyfLTjaSv4gIVB2SGCh0JHA-ZEAQYASABEgI4V_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$14 copper tongue scraper</a> every morning. </li><li>Tongue scrapers remove bacteria buildup on your tongue for better oral hygiene. Mainly, it means better breath. </li><li>Despite the fact that it sounds completely made-up, it's a pretty common practice. </li></ul><p>It might seem odd, but I spend about 30 seconds every morning standing in front of my bathroom mirror, scraping my tongue with a <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=25003&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fblack-chicken-remedies-cuprum-tongue-cleaner-copper-tongue-cleaner-1-pack-prod215920227%3Fecid%3DNMCS__GooglePLA%26utm_source%3Dgoogle_shopping%26adpos%3D1o1%26scid%3Dscplpsku182670843%26sc_intid%3Dsku182670843%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIyfLTjaSv4gIVB2SGCh0JHA-ZEAQYASABEgI4V_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$14 copper wishbone</a>.</p><p>It's called a tongue scraper, and its primary purpose on Earth is to remove the bacteria on top of tongues that account for <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2006.01350.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as much as 80% of bad breath</a>. It's also supposed to return tongues to their more aesthetically pleasing soft pink, and, in the long term, strengthen overall oral health by keeping the armies of pathogens in the mouth at bay. </p><p>While most of us are probably used to haphazardly pressing our toothbrush into the service of cleaning our tongues, toothbrushes are specifically designed to clean hard surfaces - like teeth - and not the soft muscle of the tongue. For that, you need something more rigid - like a copper tongue scraper - to literally scrape against its flexible top. But, beyond that, I found the idea of brushing bacteria into and around my tongue like a car wash, and undoubtedly onto the bristles of my toothbrush, prohibitively gross on its own. </p><p>After a friend recommended this copper tongue scraper repeatedly, I bought one. (Yes, someone loved this enough to mention a fairly gross ritual to me publicly, multiple times). Ever since, I feel a little queasy when thinking about how many years I went without it. Flossing and brushing are impactful, but once I started using a tongue scraper, it was immediately evident just how much I was missing.</p><p>I use the tongue scraper in the morning before I brush my teeth so I have the lowest odds of ingesting any of the natural buildup. To use, you scrape your tongue from back closest to your throat to the front, and then rinse your tool in warm water. Pretty much instantly, I noticed a difference: better color (who knew?) and more confidence throughout the day. While research is limited on the effectiveness of tongue scrapers, what has been published describes it as <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/expert-answers/tongue-scraper/faq-20057795" target="_blank" rel="noopener">temporarily effective</a>, though not a fix for ongoing, chronic halitosis. </p><p>You can pick up much cheaper options from Amazon, like <a href="https://amzn.to/2VJ1Eaa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this $7 version</a> that inspired more than 1,000 people to sit down and write it a five-star review, but I went with the <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=25003&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fblack-chicken-remedies-cuprum-tongue-cleaner-copper-tongue-cleaner-1-pack-prod215920227%3Fecid%3DNMCS__GooglePLA%26utm_source%3Dgoogle_shopping%26adpos%3D1o1%26scid%3Dscplpsku182670843%26sc_intid%3Dsku182670843%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIyfLTjaSv4gIVB2SGCh0JHA-ZEAQYASABEgI4V_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$14 copper version</a> from Neiman Marcus for a few reasons. </p><ol><li>Copper is antibacterial. I didn't want to simply relocate the bacteria from my mouth to somewhere else. I wanted to get rid of it.</li><li>It looks nice, and if a tool for a relatively gross job can look nice, I've learned it often leads to me using it more frequently.</li><li>It comes with a small, simple traveling pouch so you can keep up with the practice on the road, and do so without stuffing a tongue scraper into a plastic Ziploc bag - the fastest way to lose your appetite for using it ever again.</li><li>At the end of the day, $7 more for something I don't mind being on-view in my apartment is $7 worth spending on building a habit. </li></ol><p>All in all, a $7 or $14 tongue scraper is not an essential purchase, but it is a relatively cheap and high-impact way to do away with anxiety over oral hygiene or bad breath hours after you've brushed at home. I bought one months ago, and it's quickly become a daily ritual. </p><h3><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=25003&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.neimanmarcus.com%2Fp%2Fblack-chicken-remedies-cuprum-tongue-cleaner-copper-tongue-cleaner-1-pack-prod215920227%3Fecid%3DNMCS__GooglePLA%26utm_source%3Dgoogle_shopping%26adpos%3D1o1%26scid%3Dscplpsku182670843%26sc_intid%3Dsku182670843%26gclid%3DEAIaIQobChMIyfLTjaSv4gIVB2SGCh0JHA-ZEAQYASABEgI4V_D_BwE%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Black Chicken Remedies Cuprum Tongue Cleaner, $14</a></h3>  <p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

I use this $14 tongue scraper every morning to combat bad breath, and it has actually made a difference

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Brushing and scraping are equally effective ways of cleaning your <keyword id="52854" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tongue">tongue</keyword>.</li><li>You should brush or scrape your tongue twice a day.</li><li>This removes bacteria, food debris, dead cells, and plaque that can build up in your mouth.</li></ul><p>Sure, you've probably been told to brush your <keyword id="23660" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="teeth">teeth</keyword> since you were a kid. But how about brushing your tongue?</p><p>That's right, scraping or brushing your tongue is equally important for your oral hygiene as brushing your pearly whites. It can also help prevent bad breath, plaque buildup, and cavities.</p><p>Here's why you need to clean your tongue and how you should do it. </p><h2>Why you need to clean your tongue</h2><p>"The tongue needs to be brushed because it is a reservoir for bacteria, food debris, and cells. In fact, the main form of bad breath (halitosis) is due to bacterial growth that is harbored on the tongue," says <a href="https://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/directory/profile/flavia-queiroz-pirih-dds-phd" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Flavia Pirih DDS, PhD,</a> an associate professor of periodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry. </p><p><strong>Medical term</strong>: Halitosis is the clinical term for bad breath. Typically, this is mainly caused by bacterial growth on the tongue. </p><p>Additionally, bacteria on the tongue may contribute to dental plaque, which is a biofilm of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gingivitis.</p><p>Too much plaque on your tongue can also alter your sense of taste since it could "cover-up" the tastebuds on your tongue.</p><h2>Is it better to brush or scrape your tongue?</h2><p>Brushing and scraping your tongue are equally effective.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086606/">2013 study</a> examined three groups of children after 21 days of either brushing their tongue, scraping their tongue, or only brushing their teeth without cleaning their tongue. The study found that those who brushed their tongue or scraped their tongue had significantly less plaque than the group of children who only brushed their teeth.</p><h2>How to brush your tongue with a toothbrush</h2><p>You can brush your tongue either before or after you brush your teeth, whichever you prefer. Pirih says you should clean your tongue twice a day: once in the morning and once before going to bed. To properly brush your tongue, she says to follow these four steps: </p><ol><li>Using the same toothbrush you have for your teeth, start from the back of the tongue and move forward.</li><li>You can use a back and forth motion, similar to brushing your teeth.</li><li>Make sure that all aspects of the tongue get brushed. </li><li>Rinse the toothbrush after use.</li></ol><p>By following these steps, you can effectively remove the biofilm from your tongue, resulting in better overall <keyword id="151969" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="dental-health">dental health</keyword>, and not to mention, fresher breath. </p><h2>How to clean your tongue with a scraper</h2> <p>Using a tongue scraper is an equally effective way that you can clean your tongue, Pirih says. Instead of removing buildup on your tongue with your brush, you will be doing so with a specialized product. "U" shaped metal tongue scrapers are common and readily available to purchase. </p><p>Pirih says to follow these three steps to properly use your tongue scraper: </p><ol><li>Before or after brushing your teeth, place the scraper on the back of the tongue and move it forward.</li><li>Scrape several times in different directions to be sure to cover the whole tongue.</li><li>Rinse the scraper after use.</li></ol><p>You should either brush or scrape your tongue twice a day, Pirih says. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>If you don't brush your tongue, bacteria and other particles will continue to build up on it, which can lead to an increased risk of bad breath and plaque buildup. </p><p>That's why, brushing your tongue is just as important as brushing your teeth and flossing. Combined, these three habits will ensure that you have the best oral hygiene. Clean your tongue twice a day for the best results.</p><a data-type="6026f4f009e96f06ed218737">Manual vs. electric toothbrushes: Which is better for your teeth, according to dentists</a><a data-type="5f3305d9ecb25e793a47ead7">8 tips to help you stop grinding your teeth</a><a data-type="5ea205cf0fc639158379e1dd">Does baking soda whiten teeth? It can, but toothpaste is a better option - here's why</a><a data-type="5ea73b1669852543065cf738">How to whiten your teeth naturally, with at-home methods</a>

Not cleaning your tongue could be the reason for bad breath - here's how to clean it properly

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A man in his 50s presented to doctors in India a black, hairy tongue.</li><li>Hairy tongue occurs in about 13% of the population, per the American Academy of Oral Medicine.</li></ul><p>A man in his 50s presented to doctors in India a black, hairy tongue after suffering a <keyword id="11910033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="stroke" source="Orion">stroke</keyword>, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2789440" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to a report by JAMA Dermatology</a>.</p><p>The man had left-sided weakness from a stroke three months prior and was put on a pureed diet, doctors said in <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2789440" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the report published Wednesday</a>. A thick, black coating had covered most of his tongue for about two weeks, sparing the sides and middle part, they said.</p><p>The doctors diagnosed the condition as black hairy tongue, or lingua villosa nigra, a harmless condition, <a href="https://www.aaom.com/hairy-tongue" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the American Academy of Oral Medicine</a>. Hairy tongue occurs in about 13% of the population, the academy says.</p><p>The Indian dermatologists said black hairy tongue was more likely to occur in people on a pureed diet, and it forms because of a lack of abrasion or stimulation to the top of the tongue, which leads to a buildup of a protein called keratin.</p><p>As a result, conical projections covering the tongue, called filiform papillae, get long and form a hairlike appearance on the top of the tongue.</p><p>Other predisposing factors include: poor oral hygiene, smoking, oxidizing mouthwashes, oral antibiotics, excessive coffee or tea drinking, and conditions that suppress the immune system, such as HIV or cancer.</p><p>It can occur at any age but happens more frequently in older people, <a href="https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6561/black-hairy-tongue/cases/21893" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the National Institutes of Health</a>.</p><p>Black hairy tongue can appear brown, yellow, or green, as well as black, <a href="https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6561/black-hairy-tongue/cases/21893" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the NIH</a>, depending on the bacteria and fungi that can overgrow on the altered surface, as well as other anaerobic bacteria that ferment food particles trapped in the papillae. It's those anaerobic bacteria that give the tongue the black appearance.</p><p>Usually, black hairy tongue gets better by brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper.</p><p>For this patient, the condition resolved after 20 days with "proper cleansing," the doctors said.</p>

A man in India developed a black, hairy tongue after a stroke forced him to change his diet

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fragrance TikTokers have started using the phrase "smellmaxxing" to describe improving one's scent.</li><li>The term has been previously used in the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/looksmaxxing-tiktok-trend-explained-men-trade-beauty-tips-2023-11"> looksmaxxing</a> community for years, but it's gaining traction online.</li></ul><p>The internet is full of beautification advice, from TikTokers specializing in perfume hauls to YouTube makeup gurus to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/looksmaxxing-softmaxxing-mewing-self-improvement-experiment-toxic-dangerous-2023-11"><u>looksmaxxers</u></a>, a controversial community of mostly young men who rate each other's facial features and share advice for self-improvement.</p><p>The newest offshoot of the looksmaxxing subcuture is smellmaxxing, which involves mostly men trying to improve their smell with different colognes among other hygiene tips. The craze has existed in looksmaxxer circles for years, but it's gone viral on TikTok in the last few weeks after a meme about the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@pdmdraco/video/7315090614993931562"><u>animated villain Megamind</u></a> from the 2010 superhero film wearing a John Paul Gaultier cologne gained traction.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@pdmdraco/video/7315090614993931562" data-video-id="7315090614993931562" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@pdmdraco" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@pdmdraco?refer=embed">@pdmdraco</a> <p><a title="fragrance" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fragrance?refer=embed">#fragrance</a> <a title="colonge" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/colonge?refer=embed">#colonge</a> <a title="mensfragrances" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mensfragrances?refer=embed">#mensfragrances</a> <a title="pdm" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pdm?refer=embed">#pdm</a> <a title="jpg" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/jpg?refer=embed">#jpg</a> <a title="jeanpualgaultier" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/jeanpualgaultier?refer=embed">#jeanpualgaultier</a> </p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Fluxxwave (Slowed + Reverb) - Clovis Reyes" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Fluxxwave-Slowed-Reverb-7231127851692492801?refer=embed">♬ Fluxxwave (Slowed + Reverb) - Clovis Reyes</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>In the meme, the character Minion asks Megamind if he's wearing the cologne, and he responds with a nonchalance that the scent is just his "natural musk."</p><p>"Megamind caught smellmaxxing," on-screen text said in a TikTok from December, which amassed over 3.5 million views.</p><h2><strong>In the 'smellmaxxing' subculture, users share advice and cologne collections</strong></h2><p>One of the biggest videos last month about smellmaxxing features the fragrance influencer @TheCologneBoy <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thecologneboy/video/7313054246163827973"><u>offering a slew of tips</u></a> for being "the best smelling man in any room."</p><p>He recommended people use deodorant (like Dove Men's Fresh), take baths after exercise, and lotion their skin with moisturizer so it holds cologne better. He suggested a few colognes for winter and summer seasons, and urged people to also take care of their dental health.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@thecologneboy/video/7313054246163827973" data-video-id="7313054246163827973" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@thecologneboy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thecologneboy?refer=embed">@thecologneboy</a> <p>Smellmaxxing tips <a title="fragrance" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fragrance?refer=embed">#fragrance</a> <a title="cologne" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cologne?refer=embed">#cologne</a> <a title="thecologneboy" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/thecologneboy?refer=embed">#thecologneboy</a> </p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - TheCologneBoy" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7313054268009515782?refer=embed">♬ original sound - TheCologneBoy</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>"Get an electric toothbrush, get a tongue scraper, and get Therabreath mouthwash," he said, adding that people should remember to floss.</p><p>Other creators have jumped on the trend with jokes: One urged others to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@pocketfragrances/video/7317523295992122670?_r=1&amp;_t=8ilL1Ko6pD8"><u>"start smellmaxxing bro" </u></a>while shooting cologne mists into the night sky.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@pocketfragrances/video/7317523295992122670" data-video-id="7317523295992122670" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@pocketfragrances" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@pocketfragrances?refer=embed">@pocketfragrances</a> <p>al haramain amber oud gold might be the most gatekept cologne on tiktok <a title="cologne" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cologne?refer=embed">#cologne</a> <a title="fragrance" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fragrance?refer=embed">#fragrance</a> <a title="pocketfragrance" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pocketfragrance?refer=embed">#pocketfragrance</a> </p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ som original - ⓚⓐⓘⓚ" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/som-original-7316149335692479238?refer=embed">♬ som original - ⓚⓐⓘⓚ</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>"That atomizer is heavenly," one viewer commented.</p><p>Many smellmaxxers idolize <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyfragrance"><u>Jeremy Fragrance</u></a>, a German influencer known for his reviews of colognes and perfumes. Some of the most-viewed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fenefiu/video/7319491528101989664?_r=1&amp;_t=8ilL29Nb83i"><u>smellmaxxing memes</u></a> reference <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@smellsmaxxing/video/7291136979800968479"><u>him</u></a>.</p><p>On another <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@zyxiifyy.vfx/video/7314398334330932513"><u>popular video</u></a> tagged #smellmaxxing, a poster showed their massive cologne collection: "Once you start.. you can't stop," they wrote on-screen. One <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lordoffragrances/video/7317394084908240159"><u>fragrance reviewer's collection</u></a> spanned three shelves on a wall. "When you took scentmaxxing too far," @lordoffragrances wrote on-screen with a skull emoji.</p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@lordoffragrances/video/7317394084908240159" data-video-id="7317394084908240159" data-embed-from="oembed" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;"> <section> <a target="_blank" title="@lordoffragrances" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lordoffragrances?refer=embed">@lordoffragrances</a> <p>Scentmaxxing <a title="fragrance" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fragrance?refer=embed">#fragrance</a> <a title="fragrancetiktok" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fragrancetiktok?refer=embed">#fragrancetiktok</a> <a title="scentmaxxing" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/scentmaxxing?refer=embed">#scentmaxxing</a> <a title="perfume" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/perfume?refer=embed">#perfume</a> <a title="cologne" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cologne?refer=embed">#cologne</a> </p> <a target="_blank" title="♬ yummy x righteous - LOLA ⭑" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/yummy-x-righteous-7277156807519357729?refer=embed">♬ yummy x righteous - LOLA ⭑</a> </section> </blockquote> <p>In <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@luxfulcologne4/video/7314889405070691626"><u>a smellmaxxing video</u></a> created by brand to promote its own cologne, a man defined smellmaxxing as "the process of enhancing one's scent or maxing their smell."</p><p>Some TikTokers have also used <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremy.fragrancefan1/video/7298232173386124545"><u>the tags "scentmaxxing"</u></a> and "fragrancemaxxing" interchangeably to talk about similar subcultures. One of the biggest clips tagged #fragrancemaxxing, with over 1.5 million views, showed a creator <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fragranceofficial/video/7315352862840622368"><u>spinning a cologne filter</u></a> and then reviewing the one it landed on.</p><p>While <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/looksmaxxing-tiktok-trend-explained-men-trade-beauty-tips-2023-11">looksmaxxing</a> has a reputation for pushing toxic and harmful self-improvement tactics, smellmaxxing seems to be a largely positive community. In the comments of these videos, people talk about their favorite products and even make self-deprecating jokes about submitting to fragrance culture.</p><p>As a result of the popularity of looksmaxxing, the "maxxing" suffix has become a popular addition to terms people use for a variety of new fads and trends online. Internet users have made videos about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.mogg3r/video/7307326549483687201"><u>musclemaxxing,</u></a> or trying to get as jacked as possible at the gym, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@soberfitness/video/7239514798134660358"><u>healthmaxxing</u></a>, or optimally improving ones health and wellness, among other terms.</p>

What is 'smellmaxxing'? A new fad involves mostly men trying to maximize or improve their body scent

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11996153" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="kourtney-kardashian" source="Orion">Kourtney Kardashian</keyword> told Bustle she gave up <keyword id="11899146" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sex" source="Orion">sex</keyword> during an Ayurvedic <keyword id="13262460" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="cleanse" source="Orion">cleanse</keyword>.</li><li><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda">Ayurvedic medicine</a> is a traditional Indian practice with roots dated back 3,000 years.</li></ul><p>Kourtney Kardashian said she gave up sex to practice an Ayurvedic, or traditional Indian medicine, cleanse.</p><p>Kardashian said in an interview with Bustle she went on a sex and orgasm fast during an Ayurvedic cleanse. <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda">Ayurvedic medicine</a> is a traditional Indian practice that dates back 3,000 years. The practice uses natural therapies and lifestyle habits — like diet, herbs, yoga, and meditation — to treat mental and physical ailments, with a focus on balance.</p><p>"Oh my God, it was crazy," Kardashian told Bustle. "But it actually made everything better. Like, if you can't have caffeine, when you have your first matcha, it's so good."</p><p>Orgasms have a number of <a href="https://www.insider.com/orgasm-health-benefits-2018-11">health benefits</a>, including anxiety relief and improved sleep. A <a href="https://www.insider.com/when-you-dont-have-sex-what-happens-to-your-body-2020-6">lack of physical intimacy</a> can have a negative impact on <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> and increase depression and anxiety.</p><p>Kardashian did not specify what kind of Ayurvedic cleanse she did, but she has <a href="https://www.thecut.com/2016/01/kourtney-kardashians-wellness-belief-system.html#:~:text=Kourtney%20is%20a%20ghee%20goddess,interview%20with%20Natural%20Health%20Magazine.">previously spoken about</a>doing the Panchakarma cleanse after getting "really into" Ayurveda.</p><p>Kardashian isn't the only <keyword id="6355064" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="celebrity" source="Orion">celebrity</keyword> to try Panchakarma — last week, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he recently tried the 12-day cleanse, which involved drinking warm ghee in the morning and taking an herbal laxative at night, <a href="https://www.insider.com/nfl-aaron-rodgers-panchakarma-12-day-cleanse-warm-butter-laxatives-2022-2">as Insider's Gabby Landsverk reported</a>. </p><p>It also involves abstaining from sex and other stimulating activities like exercise and watching television, and should be done with a trained practitioner, according to the <a href="https://www.ayurveda.com/introduction-to-panchakarma/#">Ayurvedic Institute</a>.</p><p>Registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix told Landsverk there is no published evidence to suggest that the cleanse has health benefits beyond the spiritual.</p><p>Kardashian's <keyword id="12046488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wellness" source="Orion">wellness</keyword> brand Poosh has sold products inspired by Ayurvedic practices. Poosh sells a tongue scraper based on the Ayurvedic self-care tradition meant to detoxify the body, according to the <a href="https://kripalu.org/resources/health-benefits-tongue-scraping-and-how-do-it">Kripalu School of Ayurveda in Massachusetts</a>, and an "Ayurveda-inspired" <a href="https://poosh.com/slimming-body-oil/">"slimming" body oil</a>.</p><p>Ayurvedic practitioner and yoga teacher Leila Johnson told <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/625843/kourtney-kardashian-s-baby-weight-is-falling-off-two-months-after-giving-birth-find-out-how-she-s-doing-it">E! News</a> in 2015 she helps Kardashian with her diet and referred to the celebrity as a "ghee goddess" who eats the clarified butter on an empty stomach.</p>

Kourtney Kardashian recently tried a sex fast, and said it felt 'crazy' to forego orgasms but 'it made everything better' in the long run

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical practice dating back 5,000 years.</li><li>Ayurveda is growing in popularity among American <keyword id="12046488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="wellness" source="Orion">wellness</keyword> celebrities, and demand for its services could reach $6 billion by 2026.</li></ul><p>The wellness industry is becoming inundated with products marketed as having roots in Ayurveda, a traditional medical practice originated and established in Indian.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/kourtney-kardashian-recently-tried-a-sex-fast-and-said-it-felt-crazy-to-forego-orgasms-but-it-made-everything-better-in-the-long-run/articleshow/89978695.cms">Kourtney Kardashian</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/gwyneth-paltrow-shares-lockdown-wellness-routine-gemstone-mat-sex-oil-2020-7">Gwyneth Paltrow</a> have said they practiced certain Ayurvedic treatments, including a multi-day cleanse and eating foods meant to restore the body's imbalances. The two sell products linked to Ayurvedic <keyword id="12037532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="medicine" source="Orion">medicine</keyword> — including a <a href="https://shop.poosh.com/products/sustainable-ayurvedic-oral-care-set">tongue scraper</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoop.com%2Fwellness%2Fhealth%2Fmetabolism-boosting-superpowder%2F">basil supplements</a> — on their respective wellness sites, Poosh and Goop.</p><p>American celebrities bringing the practice to their audiences depicts the growing demand for Ayurvedic treatments and services. French market research firm <a href="https://www.reportlinker.com/p06208015/Global-Ayurveda-Market.html?utm_source=GNW">ReportLinker</a> estimates the global Ayurveda market <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/now/global-ayurveda-market-expected-grow-110300562.html">could grow by $6.81 billion</a> between 2022 and 2026. The World <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">Health</keyword> Organization announced in 2020 plans for a <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-to-set-up-centre-for-traditional-medicine-in-india/article33091388.ece">global center</a> dedicated to studying and teaching Ayurveda in <keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>.</p><p>According to two practitioners who obtained Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery degrees from schools in India, interest in Ayurveda has ballooned in the last decade, but misconceptions about the practice remain widespread in the US.</p><p>Here's what you need to know about the practice:</p><h2>The two words that underpin Ayurvedic principles, and what they mean</h2><p>Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine practice that dates back 5,000 years. </p><p>The main principle of Ayurveda is restoring a person's <em>prakruti</em>, or their body's original state at the time of birth, said <a href="https://www.coloradoayurveda.org/bharat-vaidya.html">Dr. Bharat Vaidya</a>, a Colorado-based practitioner with both a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery degree from India and a medical degree from Catholic University in Belgium. </p><p>Vaidya said a person's <em>prakruti</em> can become unbalanced by unhealthy diet and <keyword id="11893304" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword> choices. The Ayurvedic doctor's job is to locate where the imbalances lie and offer treatments bring the body back to its original state.</p><p>Ayurveda views human beings as a microcosm of the universe, said <a href="https://ayurvedaforhealing.com/aboutus/">Ashlesha Raut</a>, an Illinois-based practitioner with a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery who has served as an executive on the <a href="https://www.aapna.org/">Association of Ayurvedic Practitioners of North America</a>.</p><p>Raut said the framework of viewing humans as part of the universe means the elements we use to analyze the outside environment — fire, wind, and water — should be applied internally to humans. The "bioenergies," or the elements of fire, wind, and water that exist within the body, are called <em>doshas</em>.</p><p>In Ayurveda, <em>doshas</em> comprise a person's entire physiology. "As you move, whatever happens to your body is because of these three doshas, and that is the whole basis of Ayurveda," Raut said.</p><p>An Ayurvedic doctor's job is to study their patient's <em>doshas</em> and determine which ones are out of alignment, causing an imbalanced <em>prakruti. </em>The Ayurvedic doctor restores the balance by prescribing herbal remedies and changes to diet and lifestyle.</p><p>Vaidya said modern medicine has added context to Ayurvedic's reliance on diet and lifestyle treatments. For example, evidence that eating poorly disrupts the <a href="https://www.insider.com/microbiome-based-drugs-in-development-seres-second-genome-2018-2">microbiome</a>, or the assortment of microorganisms that live in our gut, contributes to our understand of balance in the body. <keyword id="12602488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gut-bacteria" source="Orion">Gut bacteria</keyword> manufactures most of the body's <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-serotonin">serotonin</a>, a chemical that aids in motor skills, cognition, mood, healing, and a variety of other functions. </p><p>He also pointed to the fact that studies have repeatedly shown eating more vegetables and exercising can <a href="https://www.insider.com/plant-based-diet">prevent against diseases</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/less-exercise-linked-to-higher-risk-of-depression-anxiety-study-2020-11">improve mental wellbeing</a>.</p><p>"Restoration of the balance of mind and body is the key line of treatment in Ayurveda," Vaidya said.</p><h2>Ayurvedic doctors have adapted to work within Western medicine</h2><p>Raut said she assess a patient by observing their body and emotions by interviewing them during an initial consultation. She then runs physical tests to check a patient's pulse, tongue, nails, skin, facial expressions to determine the body's imbalances.</p><p>After getting an assessment from the patient, Ayurvedic doctors will suggest changes to their diet, lifestyle, and "thought process," Vaidya said. </p><p>Many <em>vaidyas, </em>or Ayurvedic doctors, practicing in the US work within allopathic medicine, meaning they do not ask patients discontinue using pharmaceutical drugs and other modern treatments, Vaidya said. He said he makes recommendations within Western diets and does not tell his patients to stop eating meat, even though traditional Ayurveda suggests following a <keyword id="13368749" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="vegetarian-diet" source="Orion">vegetarian diet</keyword>.</p><h2>Ayurveda is not religious</h2><p>Furthermore, Vaidya said Ayurveda is not bound to any religion, and he treats clients of many different faiths.</p><p>Raut said a common misconception about Ayurveda is that it's a "folk medicine," which implies something passed on by word of mouth. Ayurvedic doctors have documented their practices for centuries, she said, and written their findings in reference books.</p><p>Raut said people who have obtained a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery from an accredited school in South Asia must spend eight to 10 years after graduating high school to learn the entire curriculum. After graduating, Raut then spent years in residency learning from other Ayurvedic doctors.</p><p>"One has to understand that this is a complete, defined science," Raut said. "People many times just think, 'Oh, it's some folk medicine from India.' It is really not like that."</p>

Ayurvedic medicine is taking the wellness industry by storm. Here's what you need to know about the traditional Indian practice.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time.</li><li>If you have visible plaque or bleeding gums, try an electric toothbrush to improve your technique.</li><li>Make sure to brush your tongue to avoid bad breath, but wait 30 minutes to brush after meals.</li></ul><p>After a lifetime of brushing your teeth every day, your oral hygiene routine may feel like second nature.</p><p>However, incorrect brushing can cause several problems for your teeth, tongue, and gums. Since <a href="https://www.insider.com/its-safe-to-go-the-dentist-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-9">oral health has cascading effects on your overall wellness</a>, it's important to make sure you're brushing your teeth properly.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth">American Dental Association</a> recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. The experts also recommend changing your toothbrush every few months, and <keyword id="471820" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Flossing">flossing</keyword> once daily to get the hard-to-reach spots.</p><p>But beyond the basics, there are a few things you can get wrong about brushing your teeth. Here are some signs that you need to improve your technique.</p><h2><strong>Your teeth are stained with yellow plaque</strong></h2><p>The number one sign you're brushing your teeth wrong would be leftover plaque or food debris on the teeth, Joshua Golden, DDS, told Insider.</p><p>If your teeth feel sticky or appear yellow even after brushing, there's probably some leftover plaque that needs cleaning. Plaque can be easily removed with a thorough brushing, but if left for an extended period of time, it will turn into a hardened bacteria layer known as calculus or tartar.</p><p>Golden said the easiest way to ensure you don't leave any plaque behind is to switch to an electric toothbrush. Make sure to use it for a full two minutes - many electric brushes come with a timer to ensure you get a full cleaning.</p><h2><strong>Your breath stinks, even after brushing</strong></h2><p>If your breath is bad enough to make your loved ones recoil, you're probably not brushing your teeth correctly. And as long as we're wearing masks, keeping your breath fresh is a favor to yourself as well.</p><p>Bad breath occurs as a result of bacteria buildup on the tongue. To fix it, make sure to brush your tongue as well as your teeth, or you could try a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tongue-scraper">tongue scraper designed to combat bad breath</a>. Mouthwash can freshen your breath in a pinch, but it may just mask the real problem.</p><p>If your breath becomes a persistent problem despite regular and through brushing, talk to a <keyword id="23661" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="dentist">dentist</keyword>.</p><h2><strong>Brushing your teeth makes your gums bleed</strong></h2><p>Bleeding gums can occur if you're brushing incorrectly, or as an early sign of gingivitis. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums, making them prone to bleed, according to the <a href="https://www.berkeleyclinic.com/blog/6-signs-you-are-not-brushing-your-teeth-properly/">Berkeley Clinic</a>. </p><p>If bad technique is your problem - evidenced by splayed bristles on your toothbrush - invest in a brush with softer bristles and a smaller head.</p><p>Plaque buildup along your gum line can also cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed. Make sure to gently attend to your gum line when brushing. An electric toothbrush can help with this.</p><h2><strong>You brush your teeth right after eating or drinking</strong></h2><p>While you might be tempted to brush your teeth right after your morning coffee, it's best to avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods or drinks.</p><p>Brushing your teeth right after an acidic snack can remove the protective enamel over time. Dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes to brush after eating, according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193?_ga=2.143107253.1422333262.1520522972-14369504.1520522972">Mayo Clinic</a>.</p><p>If you want to freshen your breath after eating without risking your enamel, try a breath mint, mouthwash, or brushing your tongue instead.</p>

4 subtle signs you're not brushing your teeth correctly, and how to improve your technique

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The most common causes of <keyword id="25449" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="bad-breath">bad breath</keyword> include poor <keyword id="6385833" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="dental">dental</keyword> hygiene, dry mouth, food, and tobacco.</li><li>Brushing, flossing, taking care of your gums, and staying hydrated are a few bad breath remedies.</li><li>Chewing gum, drinking green tea or apple cider vinegar, and eating fruit are some quick fixes.</li></ul><p>The bad news is everyone, at one time or another, gets a case of <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-that-can-cause-bad-breath-2019-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bad breath</a>, or halitosis. </p><p>An understandable source of anxiety and shame, stinky breath makes conversations a little less enjoyable for all parties involved - especially if you don't realize it.</p><p>But here's the good news: It's a problem that's easy to fix.</p><p>Along with improving your oral hygiene routine, it's helpful to gauge why exactly you get bad breath - whether it's a persistent issue or not - and then make the proper adjustments accordingly. </p><h2>What causes bad breath?</h2><p>Many factors contribute to bad breath, most of which begin in your mouth. The most common causes include: </p><ul><li><strong>Poor dental hygiene: </strong>If you don't brush or floss daily, not only do you miss getting rid of food particles in between your teeth, you risk plaque buildup, the sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth. This bacteria can lead to bad breath, as well as cavities and gum disease.</li><li><strong>Foods:</strong> Any food that collects on and between teeth can be the culprit of bad breath, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-benefits-of-garlic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">garlic</a> and onions can especially produce foul odors. </li><li><strong>Dry mouth: </strong>Saliva helps keep odors at bay naturally by killing bacteria and neutralizing the acids produced by plaque. Also, some medications cause dry mouth. In that case, you might ask your physician if there is an alternative medication you can try.</li><li><strong>Tobacco products: </strong>Not only does smoking omit an unpleasant odor, but it also dries out your mouth. Smoking is also one of the most <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">leading causes of gum disease in the US</a>.</li><li><strong>Other ear, nose, or throat conditions: </strong>Sometimes bad breath is a result of other conditions like diabetes, postnasal drip, and acid reflux. </li></ul><p>Depending on what's causing your bad breath, there are various ways to treat it. In general, the key is good dental hygiene and optimum personal <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>.</p><p>Eliminating food particles in places where foul-smelling bacteria grow is a must. Here are some of the key ways to keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean.</p><h2>Brush and floss properly </h2><p>Sometimes the most obvious fix is the one that works. Most experts say good oral hygiene, and as a result, pleasant breath, starts with <a href="https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-battling-bad-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proper brushing of your teeth</a>, especially after meals. According to the <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath" target="_blank" rel="noopener">American Dental Association (ADA)</a>, after you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth, leaving a foul-smelling waste product behind. At a minimum, <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day</a>. </p><p>Like brushing, <a href="https://www.insider.com/gums-bleed-when-flossing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flossing</a> removes food particles and plaque, where bacteria can flourish. It's important to floss to reach and remove debris that causes plaque, the sticky film that forms in between your teeth. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar which causes <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gum disease</a>. Only your dentist can remove tartar buildup. The ADA says flossing is an <a href="https://www.ada.org/en/press-room/news-releases/2016-archive/august/statement-from-the-american-dental-association-about-interdental-cleaners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">essential oral hygiene practice</a>, and you should floss or use another <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-flossing-alternatives#best-string-free-floss-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interdental cleaner</a> at least <a href="https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-battling-bad-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">once a day</a>. </p><h2>Take care of your gums</h2> <p>Stubborn bad breath or a lingering bad taste in your mouth can be a symptom of <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473" target="_blank" rel="noopener">periodontitis</a>, commonly known as <a href="http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gum disease</a>. <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halitosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to the ADA</a>, deeper pockets around teeth caused by gum disease can create places in your mouth where extra bacteria hides and is hard to clean. This can result in halitosis.</p><p>Gum disease is generally caused by poor oral hygiene but is easily preventable by brushing teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling dental appointments regularly. Using mouthwash daily can help clean gums, too.</p><h2>Scrape your tongue</h2><p>If you have a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tongue-scraper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tongue scraper</a> and some privacy, scraping your tongue can help reduce instances of bad breath because it removes <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bad-breath/expert-answers/tongue-scraper/faq-20057795" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surface</a> bacteria that contribute to the foul odor, says <a href="https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/providers?service=Internal%20Medicine&amp;location=La%20Crosseosse" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jenna Bauer</a>, DNP, an internist at the Mayo Clinic in La Crosse, Wisconsin. </p><p>Tongue scrapers can remove the bacteria that account for up to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1601-0825.2006.01350.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80% of bad breath</a>, and improve overall oral health by reducing the amount of pathogens in your mouth. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it may even do a <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-tongue-scraping-actually-work-and-should-i-be-doing-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">better job on bad breath</a> than brushing.</p><h2>Stay hydrated</h2><p>Aside from getting rid of food residue, <a href="https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-drinking-water">drinking water</a> helps fight bad breath in other ways. "<a href="https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/home-remedies-battling-bad-breath/">Drinking water</a> is very helpful because it routinely neutralizes the bacteria and hydrates our bodies, aiding with saliva production," says <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/15061-betty-haberkamp">Betty Haberkamp</a>, DDS, a dentist at the Cleveland Clinic. Since bad breath is frequently caused by having a dry mouth, <a href="https://www.insider.com/easy-ways-to-drink-more-water-2018-10">drinking water</a> is an easy natural antidote.</p><h2>Get regular dental checkups</h2><p>Persistent bad breath can be a warning about other health issues. <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist</a> can help to diagnose more serious health issues. Your dentist can then refer you to the appropriate doctor if necessary. <a href="https://www.insider.com/sinus-infection-vs-cold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sinus problems</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/home-remedies-for-acid-reflux" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gastric reflux</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diabetes</a>, and liver or kidney disease may also contribute to bad breath so it's important to find the root cause of the problem.</p><h2>Lifestyle changes and on-the-go remedies</h2><p>If you're at the office or in a social situation without easy access to a glass of water, a bathroom sink, or your toiletries, here are simple methods that may surprise you - and get the job done. </p><ul><li><strong>Chew gum: </strong>Sugar-free <a href="https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/adults-under-40/healthy-habits/valentines-day" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gum</a> can fight bad breath because chewing stimulates saliva production, says Bauer. It also helps in general with odors after eating and to prevent dry mouth, says <a href="https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/providers?service=Internal%20Medicine&amp;location=Albert%20Lea0Lea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dhauna Karam, MD</a>, an internist at the Mayo Clinic. </li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-rid-of-toothache" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Use a salt water rinse</strong></a><strong>: </strong>Much like drinking regular water, a salt water rinse can remove stray food particles. The salt also kills bacteria that cause bad breath, Bauer says. For people who are sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwash, it's a simple, cost-effective alternative. However, people with elevated blood pressure should avoid salt water rinses, and use a non-alcohol-based rinse instead. If too concentrated, the alcohol in mouthwash can sometimes dry out or burn gums.</li><li><strong>Drink green tea: </strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/drinking-tea-at-least-3-times-week-might-help-you-live-longer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green tea</a> contains antibacterial properties, including polyphenols, which may help combat smelly breath, Bauer says. Polyphenols help to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath, as well as the <a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2003-05/uoia-tfb051403.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bacteria's ability to produce unpleasant-smelling compounds</a>. </li><li><strong>Drink </strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-milk-bad-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>milk</strong></a> or<strong> eat </strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-greek-yogurt-good-for-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>yogurt</strong></a>: Over the long term, if you're not <a href="https://www.insider.com/lactose-intolerance-signs-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lactose intolerant</a>, consuming milk and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-probiotics-benefits-bad-for-you-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">yogurt</a> may improve your breath because they can help the gastrointestinal<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/health-benefits-of-yogurt-2012-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> tract</a> stay in order, Bauer says. However, for a quick fix, the natural probiotics that exist in yogurt, while healthy, do not help eliminate the bacteria in the mouth, says Haberkamp. </li><li><strong>Drink apple cider vinegar</strong>: Vinegar kills bacteria in the mouth, which helps combat bad breath, says Bauer. Add approximately one to two spoonfuls of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water to help <a href="https://www.galvezdentalstockton.com/bad-breath-home-remedies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">balance the PH levels in your mouth</a>.</li><li><strong>Chew fennel seed or anise:</strong> The seeds can neutralize odors, help with digestion, and increase saliva, says Bauer.</li><li><strong>Eat fruit</strong>: Oranges, apples, and other fiber-rich fruits and vegetables can cause more saliva to be created, causing bacteria to be washed away in the mouth, says Bauer. In addition, vitamin C helps with maintaining <a href="https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/mucus-our-bodys-silent-defender/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">good mucus</a> in the mouth, Karam says.</li><li><strong>Take zinc</strong>: This mineral can help combat bad breath in two ways. First, it helps stop the buildup of sulfur compounds that cause bad breath, says Bauer. Second, it helps prevent tooth decay and prevent cavities, says Karam.</li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2><p>Though frequently normal, chronic unpleasant breath should be taken seriously.</p><p>"It can be a sign that something more sinister is happening in your mouth if it persists for a long period of time. Practicing consistent, good <a href="https://www.insider.com/dentists-top-4-pet-peeves-dr-google-charcoal-toothpaste-2020-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oral hygiene</a>, which includes brushing two times a day - including your tongue - and <a href="https://www.insider.com/best-flossing-alternatives" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flossing daily</a>, is the most effective method to prevent dental disease and bad breath because it reduces the amount of bacteria present in the mouth," Haberkamp says. </p><p>Rinsing food particles and bacteria out of the mouth with mouthwash, salt water, water, or green tea can offer a quick fix to bad breath as well as hydrate the mouth and increase the stimulation of saliva. Gum can also help, if you have it handy, just make sure it's sugarless so that it doesn't cause cavities or bacteria, both of which can cause bad breath.</p><p>Overall, "limiting soda and <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-happens-when-you-eat-too-much-sugar-2017-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sugar consumption</a> is also an important method for keeping bacteria and bad breath at bay," says Haberkamp.</p><h2>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/are-electric-toothbrushes-better" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manual vs. electric toothbrushes: Which is better for your teeth, according to dentists</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 tips to help you stop grinding your teeth</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-baking-soda-whiten-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Does baking soda whiten teeth? It can, but toothpaste is a better option - here's why</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-whiten-teeth-naturally-at-home">How to whiten your teeth naturally, with at-home methods</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/signs-your-teeth-arent-healthy-2019-2">10 signs your teeth aren't as healthy as you think they are</a></strong></li></ul>

The most common causes of bad breath and how to get rid of it fast and easily

<p><div type="image" title="FILE PHOTO: Netflix logo is seen in front of diplayed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in this illustration taken March 19, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration" height="569" width="800" msid="75298823" hostid="261"></div></p><p>Hi everyone, welcome back to <keyword id="1083886" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="trending">Trending</keyword>, Business Insider Prime's weekly newsletter of the latest tech industry developments.</p><p>I'm Alexei Oreskovic, Business Insider's West Coast bureau chief and global tech editor. This week kicked off with a very special day. Not only was Monday the celebrated 4/20, it also marked my five-year anniversary at Business Insider. It's been an incredible honor covering the exciting world of tech for BI's smart and loyal readers. </p><p>What stories would you like to see us write more about? What companies or technologies are you excited about? Drop me a line at <a href="mailto:aoreskovic@businessinsider.com">aoreskovic@businessinsider.com</a>. </p><h3>This week: <keyword id="128682" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Netflix">Netflix</keyword>'s downturn plan — cash, credit, and content.</h3><p><div type="image" title="reed hastings" height="1676" width="2555" msid="75298830" hostid="261"></div></p><p>We got our first peek at how Big Tech is holding up against the coronavirus fallout on Tuesday, and it confirmed what the parent of any quarantined teen could have told you: People are spending a lot of time on Netflix and <keyword id="6358096" type="DEFINITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="snapchat">Snapchat</keyword>. </p><p>The two internet companies reported booming user growth numbers for the first quarter. Netflix added <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-q1-2020-earnings-analysis-subscribers-revenue-eps-2020-4">nearly 16 million</a> new paying subscribers, while Snapchat's audience increased by 20% to 229 million daily users</p><p>The real surprise was how well <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/snap-beats-expectations-for-revenue-despite-coronavirus-pandemic-2020-4">Snapchat's advertising business</a> performed. A feared ad revenue meltdown, caused by big brands and small businesses frantically slashing their marketing expenses, has not yet happened.</p><p>That's good news for all the other ad-dependent internet companies out there, like Twitter, Facebook, and Google. And indeed, all of those stocks got a nice sympathy bump after Snap's earnings crossed the wire. But there's reason to be cautious. Snap noted that its 44% revenue growth rate in Q1, decelerated to a 15% clip during the first 19 days of April. And it slowed to 11% in the most recent week. </p><p>Yes, Snap's revenue is still growing, but the trendline is rapidly losing altitude. Perhaps that's why Snap stressed that in addition to the $2.1 billion in cash on its balance sheet, it has access to a $1 billion credit facility — a reassurance that, by its very necessity, might seem concerning.</p><p>Netflix, which has $5 billion in cash on its balance sheet, also felt compelled to mention on its conference call that it has an undrawn $750 million unsecured credit facility. </p><p>Netflix also touted another notable rainy day fund, of sorts.</p><p>With film production halted throughout the industry because of the virus, streaming video services like Netflix, Apple, and Disney+ will face challenges satisfying their viewers' appetite for new content. </p><p>Not to worry, says Netflix. Thanks to a library of thousands of titles it has amassed, the company has an advantage over streaming video rivals confronting the "shortage of new content."</p><p>As far as shortages go, this one is a decidedly first-world problem. But it's also a fitting expression of our quarantined times. Netflix has stockpiled something more valuable than cash or credit. It's got content. </p><h3>Even a toothbrush needs a halo effect</h3><p><div type="image" title="Screen Shot 2020 04 17 at 10.39.07 AM" height="1466" width="2448" msid="75298833" hostid="261"></div></p><p>An electric toothbrush may seem like a humble building block for an empire. But for Simon Enever, the 32-year-old founder of <keyword id="1778892" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Quip">Quip</keyword>, the toothbrush is the bridge over which an army of products, from floss to tongue scrapers, will conquer the broader oral care market.</p><p>As Melia Russell reports, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quip-toothbrush-layoffs-ceo-simon-enever-2020-3">Quip's dental masterplan has suffered a few setbacks</a>, many of which occured just before the coronavirus struck. Now the startup has refocused, laid off some staff, and put some initiatives on hold. And Enever says the company is better positioned to get through the coronavirus storm. </p><p>As a standard-bearer for the new breed of direct-to-consumer brands, Quip is sure to be closely watched in the months ahead.</p><h3>Read Melia's full story here:</h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quip-toothbrush-layoffs-ceo-simon-enever-2020-3">Former employees of Quip, a $170 million electric toothbrush startup that cut 10% of staffers weeks before the coronavirus hit, say a range of issues could frustrate its ability to ride out the pandemic</a></h3><h3>Tech workers are sweating...</h3><p>With 22 million Americans filing unemployment claims in the past month, anxiety about layoffs is running high.</p><p>The anonymous social network Blind surveyed nearly 7,000 tech workers for BI in March and in April asking: "Are you concerned your job security will be negatively affected by the economic trends stemming from the Coronavirus?" </p><p>Those who answered "yes" are depicted in blue in the chart below. The results show a wide disparity in opinion among  workers at tech companies. </p><p>At Expedia, a staggering 95% of workers surveyed expressed concern. (The company, which is closely tied to the devastated travel industry, had already laid off 12% of staff in February.) Worries at Lyft shot up over the past month, while Facebook workers appear to be keeping relatively calm. </p><p>Check out the full survey results, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/increasing-job-security-concerns-at-tech-companies-2020-4">which you can read here,</a> from workers at Apple, Salesforce, and numerous other big tech companies.</p><p><div type="image" title="Screen Shot 2020 04 21 at 6.00.16 PM" height="1094" width="1278" msid="75298839" hostid="261"></div></p><h3>Sound bite of the week:</h3><h3><div type="image" title="Andrew Yang" height="1334" width="1778" msid="75298840" hostid="261"></div></h3><h2>"Our biggest problems generally don't have market-based solutions and the true solutions often aren't aligned with profit maximizing activities the way they are currently defined."</h2><p>Former US presidential candidate <keyword id="739187" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Andrew-Yang">Andrew Yang</keyword>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/andrew-yang-says-marc-andreessen-essay-overlooks-key-point-2020-4">responding to Marc Andreessen's essay prescribing a surge of entrepreneurial projects to solve big problems like climate change and pandemics.</a></p><h3>Recommended readings:</h3><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/google-slashing-international-interns-salary-2020-4">Some of Google's summer international interns are being told their pay will be slashed by almost half – and they have just 24 hours to accept the new offer</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-ceos-rethinking-need-for-offices-and-real-estate-2020-4">Tech CEOs say they plan to scale back on real estate for offices now that they know everyone can work from home, and it's not good news for WeWork</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-jersey-cobol-programmers-coronavirus-experts-mainframe-2020-4">The governor of New Jersey is asking for urgent help with COBOL, a 61-year-old programming language. Here's why it's causing problems with unemployment systems, and why it's so hard to replace.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/firms-acquisition-targets-amazon-microsoft-google-2020-4">These 15 companies could be acquisition targets for Amazon, Microsoft, and Google as the coronavirus crisis ratchets up the cloud wars and crushes tech valuations</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/org-chart-airbnb-board-of-directors-expertise-in-crisis-2020-4">Airbnb is facing an unprecedented threat from the coronavirus. Here are the veteran execs on Airbnb's board of directors who will be critical to CEO Brian Chesky's success or failure.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-i-tracked-down-racist-zoombombers-2020-4">Racist Zoombombers attacked my friends — here's how I tracked the trolls down</a></p><h3>Not necessarily in tech:</h3><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/negative-oil-prices-mean-producers-pay-people-to-take-oil-2020-4">The price of US crude oil just went negative for the first time. Here's what that really means and why it's not free to fill up your car.</a></p><p>That's a wrap. Thanks for reading, and remember, if you like this newsletter, <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/trending">tell your friends and colleagues they can sign up here to receive it</a>.</p><p>— Alexei</p>Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trending-cash-nice-in-crisis-but-netflix-stockpiling-content-2020-4">Business Insider</a>

Cash is nice in a crisis, but Netflix is stockpiling content

<p>Some of the most useful items are inexpensive. </p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0jlk8">recent Reddit thread</a> asked for the most useful items you can buy for under $20. </p>
<p>We picked some of our favorites. </p>
<h3><strong>1. Small set of screwdrivers </strong></h3>
<p>"With them and the Internet, you'll be surprised how much you can fix stuff, which saves you a lot of money in the long run," writes <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0fukg">Reddit user candydaze</a>. </p>
<p>We recommend the Stanley <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000950PN/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0000950PN&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=XOSBNDS7T2AEQML7">10-piece screwdriver set</a> at Amazon for $14.31. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/51fc0a4beab8ea033100001d-1024-546/8559735387_02bf1439cb_b.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="Screwdriver" width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86639298@N02/8559735387/sizes/l/in/photolist-e3oT7B-7JgQEc-7JgRtk-bGJgsD-awEXPR-8trnD9-8mfVxA-8piQhc-8pn1X3-8pn1Z5-8pn21Y-8piQvT-8piQtv-8piQAc-8piQy4-8m8paW-9UD1PX-8rX8yr-f8JQcH-f8ZabY-f8ZbjQ-f8ZbLL-f8JZ22-f8JRKx-f8ZcFS-f8JZsK-f8JRfz-f8JSf4-f8Z97W-f8JPD8-f8JVLV-f8JQKr-f8ZaKs-f8Z9D3-dq5Wny-9cu9Dq-9cu9zA-8cVpRa/">Via Flickr</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>2. Fire extinguisher</strong></h3>
<p>"If you do need it someday, it will be well worth the 20 bucks," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0cqwf">writes DaNinjaKitten</a>. </p>
<p>Try the First Alert Fire Extinguisher available for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009H4RK4O/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B009H4RK4O&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=BMZKCNU7ATZBOW5O">$19.95 on Amazon</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527413ffecad043a4eb86b40-1200-600/fire-extinguisher-2.jpg" border="0" alt="fire extinguisher" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>3. Carbon monoxide detector </strong></h3>
<p>"When my sister and I were younger, the carbon monoxide detector went off in our house. She heard it, I did not. My parents were not home, so she ran up to my room and grabbed me and told me to come outside. We went across the street to our neighbors and they called the fire department for us. My sister saved our lives," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0lh8d">writes DoctorCrouchJrWho</a>. </p>
<p>Try this First Alert battery-powered detector for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FDLFLK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000FDLFLK&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=YHXX232BQUYEZPDF">$18.88 at Amazon</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274149469bedd0d76afe9a7-1200-600/carbon-monoxide-detector.jpg" border="0" alt="carbon monoxide detector" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>4. Jumper cables</strong></h3>
<p><span>"</span><span>When I first moved for college, my car broke down the first week of school in the Wal-Mart parking lot," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0f3ap">writes halfwaythere88.</a> "I had to stop a ridiculous amount of people before I found one with jumper cables." </span></p>
<p>Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030D0T2S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0030D0T2S&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=3YKRHOK4JD43REI4">has them</a> for $11.82. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527414f0eab8ea7f675941a3-1200-600/jumper-cables.jpg" border="0" alt="jumper cables" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>5. Spray bottle</strong> </h3>
<p>"You can buy them at the dollar store but in my family (and now in my dorm) mine is getting constantly borrowed. It's used for cleaning, ironing, doing hair, and more. The lack of people who have them astounds me!" <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0d1uu">writes bgaigalas</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008VXNE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00008VXNE&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=EJI4NXS4EJCYXGH6">Amazon has a pack of 3 for $8.20.</a></p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274157eeab8eab5695941a1-1200-600/spray-bottle.jpg" border="0" alt="spray bottle" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock.com</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>6. Car cell phone charger</strong></h3>
<p>This suggestion <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0ja8v">by sauce480</a> is self-explanatory. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OZ5OIFE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00OZ5OIFE&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=O6TCPF3MLPAUBFYS">Amazon has this Omaker USB car charger for $16.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274160fecad04a650b86b4c-1200-600/car-phone-charger.jpg" border="0" alt="car phone charger" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>7. Rechargeable batteries </strong></h3>
<p>"I love my Eneloop batteries," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dn3v">writes CaptPikel</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00339NINQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00339NINQ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=L57DL7FO5UUO5AT4">Energizer's rechargeable batteries are $9.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274167b6bb3f7a449c39d55-1200-600/batteries-1.jpg" border="0" alt="batteries" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>8. Lodge cast-iron skillet</strong></h3>
<p><span>"All the fancy, expensive, 'high end' cookware can not touch the magic that this $15 gem can bring to your cooking," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0ipb9">writes hvonn</a>. </span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008GKDJ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00008GKDJ&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=JKH4J6HE3X7ITMJ4">Buy one here for $14.97</a>. </p>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527416afecad04a350b86b46-640-320/frying-pan-skillet-metal.jpg" border="0" alt="frying pan skillet metal" width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65428595@N00/5010093415/">Flickr/ I Believe I Can Fry</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div><br /></span></p>
<h3><span> </span><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">9. Dry shampoo</strong></h3>
<p>"Do you like to sleep in? Dry Shampoo lets you do that," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0d2kx">writes Hello_nerds</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008D5HAHU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B008D5HAHU&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=VN7W5PHRTMFERDXF">Here's some for $10.25</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5272ba28eab8eafc137d3d0a-877-582/screen%20shot%202013-10-31%20at%204.14.02%20pm.png" border="0" alt="batiste dry shampoo " width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://emilysfrugaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/653fea6c3eba0dfc3f465546fb9be621e068bd6e.jpg">Batiste </a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>10. Salad spinner</strong></h3>
<p>"Instead of using a paper towel for drying lettuce, herbs, berries or heck just about anything food related you can dry, just throw it in the salad spinner basket rinse and spin," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0l5cb">writes imjoshua</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0086UR0UO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0086UR0UO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=SU5EBYY55B3IIXN7">Get one on Amazon for $16.22</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/52741700eab8ea846c59419f-1200-600/salad-spinner.jpg" border="0" alt="salad spinner" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>11. Tongue scraper</strong></h3>
<p>"I know, I know. I thought the idea was nasty at first too. And, yes, I <em>also</em> thought that my toothbrush did a perfectly fine job. Then I actually used one," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0crj0">writes MyReligionIsPhysics</a>. "Uncannily clean-feeling mouth, no more dental problems, fresher breath." </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00064JGBO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00064JGBO&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=AHRTJZMGSQSWMOFY">Amazon has one for $5.19</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527417a3eab8eac0695941a3-1000-500/brushing-teeth-tongue.jpg" border="0" alt="brushing teeth tongue" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>12. Sink plunger</strong></h3>
<p>"It's got a flat bottom to match the drain on your sink," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0gkdv">notes kidl33t</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UJLVGI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B005UJLVGI&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=SS5DHWBKE3GMUDOZ">Get one for $7.87</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527417c0eab8eac0695941a6-812-406/flat-bottom-plunger-1.png" border="0" alt="flat bottom plunger " width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.qcidirect.com/mini-sink-plunger.html?utm_source=GoogleShopping&amp;utm_medium=cse&amp;utm_campaign=mini-sink-plunger&amp;gclid=CNbJ2eD0wboCFU6Y4AodKUwA4Q">QCIdirect.com</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>13. The right pillow</strong></h3>
<p>"Pillows for under $20 can be of good utility and quality if you buy the right firmness pillow for your sleep style and follow the care instructions carefully," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dwbc">writes MmeLaRue</a>. </p>
<p>This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029LHHRC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0029LHHRC&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=5NSN4VHH5DIEBESK">memory foam pillow works for most and is $16.86</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527417e3eab8ea186a59419f-1024-512/many-pillows-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Many Pillows" width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/revstan/4447545030/sizes/o/in/photolist-7M1QbS-8PuKLT-a6f4wW-91Zmub-9bPwdn-8H1JLq-83HhTw-7TGZhk-b1Z2He-dUr4vC-8j5NZa-9WLWZi-89FQt1-8EGA5n-egs4zi-8tm1SW-bexxBi-8qhks9-aRSa9e-dgiGNU-ct8xFw-8fkHc9-9BgRze-7HhZHq-drxVcN-bw1BHu-aw7ioH-8tfDiw-9fcqFd-7VAqsy-7Vxbxt/">Via Flickr</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>14. Fresh pepper grinder</strong></h3>
<p>"Freshly cracked black pepper corns will blow your mind," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0doc1">writes edeneleven11</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003L0OOQM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003L0OOQM&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=QCGPDDBHXZ2R6HTQ">Amazon has this one from OXO for $11.95</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274184769bedd2c7cafe9b3-1000-500/black-pepper-grinder.jpg" border="0" alt="black pepper grinder" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Shutterstock</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>15. Micro-chip for your pet</strong></h3>
<p>"The police and local shelters have the equipment to scan you pet. If they find the chip number, they call the company and you are notified," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0h03l">writes jpsrv</a>. "You go pick up your pet. Without a microchip, in most animal shelters throughout the US, your pet is euthanized."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HEVIC5S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00HEVIC5S&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=YSJ3LJ6X6577A4OO">Here's one for $9.98</a>.</p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527418966bb3f71d4ec39d5f-1200-600/dog-on-bed-5.jpg" border="0" alt="dog on bed" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>16. Zip ties</strong></h3>
<p>"Life saver at my job and at home!" <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0kz4e">writes autumnjoy</a>. </p>
<p>Get 100 of them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001IMMJI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0001IMMJI&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=CCLS4OGKVBN47CBO">on Amazon for $12.75</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527418c6eab8ea896c5941a8-1152-576/zip-ties.jpg" border="0" alt="zip ties" width="800"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Cable_ties.jpg">Wikimedia commons</a></span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>17. Deck of cards</strong></h3>
<p>"Learn some easy tricks to blow minds," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0cf3l">says M99Syringe</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JAZ9GY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B002JAZ9GY&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=6TUUO32X4YIVVH3J">Bicycle's classic cards come in a pack of two for $6.42</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527418e16bb3f7654ec39d68-1200-600/bridge-cards-trump-card-4.jpg" border="0" alt="bridge cards trump card" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Bruno Vincent/Getty</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>18. Swiss Army Knife keychain</strong></h3>
<p>"I find a use for it almost every day," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0jc3q">writes Meath77</a>. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009KF4H0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0009KF4H0&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=4FZV7QXFDW53MQHF">Get the classic Victorinox version for $19.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/527419066bb3f7d14bc39d66-1200-600/swiss-army-knives-2.jpg" border="0" alt="swiss army knives" width="800"><p class="source"><span>AP</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>19. French press </strong></h3>
<p>"It makes your coffee much stronger and tastier," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0i9bh">writes Deetz_Z. </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJBQMI6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00IJBQMI6&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=bi20under20-20&amp;linkId=IQP2CS72B4RTDEV2">Get Primula's 6-cup Press for $10.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5274192569beddf67aafe9aa-1183-591/coffee-french-press-7.png" border="0" alt="Coffee, French Press" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Robert Libetti/ Business Insider</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>20. Spotify</strong></h3>
<p>"The most convenient way to listen to music," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dw1g">writes Mikey193</a>. </p>
<p>For about $10 a month you get a <a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/">premium membership</a> that includes offline syncing and streaming songs with no ads. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/52741947eab8ea0f6f59419f-1200-600/spotify-for-ipad-4.png" border="0" alt="spotify for ipad" width="800"><p class="source"><span>Spotify</span></p></img></div><p></p></div></p>

20 Items Under $20 That Everyone Should Own

<p>Some of the most useful items are inexpensive. </p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0jlk8">recent Reddit thread</a> asked for the most useful items you can buy for under $20. </p>
<p>We picked some of our favorites. </p>
<h3><strong>1. Small set of screwdrivers </strong></h3>
<p>"With them and the Internet, you'll be surprised how much you can fix stuff, which saves you a lot of money in the long run," writes <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0fukg">Reddit user candydaze</a>. </p>
<p>We recommend the Craftsman <a href="http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-pc-screwdriver-set/p-00947136000P?prdNo=4&amp;blockNo=4&amp;blockType=G4">8-piece screwdriver set</a> at Sears for $11.69. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/51fc0a4beab8ea033100001d-1024-546/8559735387_02bf1439cb_b.jpg?maxX=800" border="0" alt="Screwdriver" width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/86639298@N02/8559735387/sizes/l/in/photolist-e3oT7B-7JgQEc-7JgRtk-bGJgsD-awEXPR-8trnD9-8mfVxA-8piQhc-8pn1X3-8pn1Z5-8pn21Y-8piQvT-8piQtv-8piQAc-8piQy4-8m8paW-9UD1PX-8rX8yr-f8JQcH-f8ZabY-f8ZbjQ-f8ZbLL-f8JZ22-f8JRKx-f8ZcFS-f8JZsK-f8JRfz-f8JSf4-f8Z97W-f8JPD8-f8JVLV-f8JQKr-f8ZaKs-f8Z9D3-dq5Wny-9cu9Dq-9cu9zA-8cVpRa/">Via Flickr</a></p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>2. Fire extinguisher</strong></h3>
<p>"If you do need it someday, it will be well worth the 20 bucks," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0cqwf">writes DaNinjaKitten</a>. </p>
<p>Try the Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher available for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kidde-FA110-Purpose-Extinguisher-1A10BC/dp/B00002ND64/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1383329406&amp;sr=1-1">$18.98 on Amazon</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/527413ffecad043a4eb86b40-1200-600/fire-extinguisher-2.jpg" border="0" alt="fire extinguisher" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>3. Carbon monoxide detector </strong></h3>
<p>"When my sister and I were younger, the carbon monoxide detector went off in our house. She heard it, I did not. My parents were not home, so she ran up to my room and grabbed me and told me to come outside. We went across the street to our neighbors and they called the fire department for us. My sister saved our lives," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0lh8d">writes DoctorCrouchJrWho</a>. </p>
<p>Try this First Alert battery-powered detector for <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/First-Alert-Battery-Powered-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarm-CO400/202433876?N=bmgkZ12ky%3FNCNI-5#.UnPv85TBLkk">$19.97 at Home Depot</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5274149469bedd0d76afe9a7-1200-600/carbon-monoxide-detector.jpg" border="0" alt="carbon monoxide detector" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock.com</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>4. Jumper cables</strong></h3>
<p><span>"</span><span>When I first moved for college, my car broke down the first week of school in the Wal-Mart parking lot," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0f3ap">writes halfwaythere88.</a> "I had to stop a ridiculous amount of people before I found one with jumper cables." </span></p>
<p>Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Motor-Trend-MT1012-CCA-12-Foot-Aluminum/dp/B0030D0T2S/ref=lp_15719941_1_3?s=automotive&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1383329819&amp;sr=1-3">has them</a> for $11.10. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/527414f0eab8ea7f675941a3-1200-600/jumper-cables.jpg" border="0" alt="jumper cables" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock.com</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>5. Spray bottle</strong> </h3>
<p>"You can buy them at the dollar store but in my family (and now in my dorm) mine is getting constantly borrowed. It's used for cleaning, ironing, doing hair, and more. The lack of people who have them astounds me!" <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0d1uu">writes bgaigalas</a>. </p>
<p>The Container Store <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/?productId=10006426">has a nice bottle</a> for $4.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/5274157eeab8eab5695941a1-1200-600/spray-bottle.jpg" border="0" alt="spray bottle" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock.com</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>6. Car cell phone charger</strong></h3>
<p>This suggestion <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0ja8v">by sauce480</a> is self-explanatory. </p>
<p>Best Buy has a <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dynex-153-vehicle-charger/7046436.p?id=1218826436642&amp;skuId=7046436">Dynex charger</a> for $19.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5274160fecad04a650b86b4c-1200-600/car-phone-charger.jpg" border="0" alt="car phone charger" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>7. Rechargeable batteries </strong></h3>
<p>"I love my Eneloop batteries," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dn3v">writes CaptPikel</a>.</p>
<p>B&amp;H Photo Video has <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&amp;sku=758663&amp;is=REG&amp;Q=&amp;A=details">them for $7.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5274167b6bb3f7a449c39d55-1200-600/batteries-1.jpg" border="0" alt="batteries" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>8. Lodge cast-iron skillet</strong></h3>
<p><span>"All the fancy, expensive, 'high end' cookware can not touch the magic that this $15 gem can bring to your cooking," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0ipb9">writes hvonn</a>. </span></p>
<p>Buy one at Macy's <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lodge-logic-cast-iron-8-skillet?ID=798621&amp;cm_mmc=Google_DMA_Home_Cookware_PLA-_-PLA+Home+Generic+-+Cookware_PLA+-+Cookware-_-31118134700_-_-_mkwid_gsSdSIF5|d{device}_31118134700%7C-%7CgsSdSIF5">for $19.99</a>. </p>
<p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/527416afecad04a350b86b46-640-320/frying-pan-skillet-metal.jpg" border="0" alt="frying pan skillet metal" width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65428595@N00/5010093415/">Flickr/ I Believe I Can Fry</a></p></div><p></p></div><br /></span></p>
<h3><span> </span><strong style="line-height: 1.5em;">9. Dry shampoo</strong></h3>
<p>"Do you like to sleep in? Dry Shampoo lets you do that," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0d2kx">writes Hello_nerds</a>. </p>
<p>Ulta has some <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod2040049">for $7.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5272ba28eab8eafc137d3d0a-877-582/screen%20shot%202013-10-31%20at%204.14.02%20pm.png" border="0" alt="batiste dry shampoo " width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://emilysfrugaltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/653fea6c3eba0dfc3f465546fb9be621e068bd6e.jpg">Batiste </a></p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>10. Salad spinner</strong></h3>
<p>"Instead of using a paper towel for drying lettuce, herbs, berries or heck just about anything food related you can dry, just throw it in the salad spinner basket rinse and spin," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0l5cb">writes imjoshua</a>. </p>
<p>Get one <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/salad-spinner.do?camp=ppc%3AGooglePLA%3Anone%3A40004162219adwords_groupingColanders&amp;device=c&amp;network=g&amp;matchtype=&amp;gclid=COWDoIKbxLoCFU6Y4AodKUwA4Q">at World Market</a> for the low price of $19.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/52741700eab8ea846c59419f-1200-600/salad-spinner.jpg" border="0" alt="salad spinner" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>11. Tongue scraper</strong></h3>
<p>"I know, I know. I thought the idea was nasty at first too. And, yes, I <em>also</em> thought that my toothbrush did a perfectly fine job. Then I actually used one," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0crj0">writes MyReligionIsPhysics</a>. "Uncannily clean-feeling mouth, no more dental problems, fresher breath." </p>
<p>Soap.com has a highly-reviewed GUM brand <a href="http://www.soap.com/p/gum-tongue-cleaner-34952?site=CA&amp;utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=cpc_S&amp;utm_term=ASS-062&amp;utm_campaign=GoogleAW&amp;CAWELAID=1323114047&amp;utm_content=pla&amp;adtype=pla&amp;cagpspn=pla">cleaner for $4.85</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/527417a3eab8eac0695941a3-1000-500/brushing-teeth-tongue.jpg" border="0" alt="brushing teeth tongue" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>12. Sink plunger</strong></h3>
<p>"It's got a flat bottom to match the drain on your sink," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0gkdv">notes kidl33t</a>. </p>
<p>Get one at QCI direct for $10.99, or <a href="http://www.qcidirect.com/mini-sink-plunger.html?utm_source=GoogleShopping&amp;utm_medium=cse&amp;utm_campaign=mini-sink-plunger&amp;gclid=CLWktbibxLoCFUGd4AodqDUAiQ">buy two for $20</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/527417c0eab8eac0695941a6-812-406/flat-bottom-plunger-1.png" border="0" alt="flat bottom plunger " width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.qcidirect.com/mini-sink-plunger.html?utm_source=GoogleShopping&amp;utm_medium=cse&amp;utm_campaign=mini-sink-plunger&amp;gclid=CNbJ2eD0wboCFU6Y4AodKUwA4Q">QCIdirect.com</a></p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>13. The right pillow</strong></h3>
<p>"Pillows for under $20 can be of good utility and quality if you buy the right firmness pillow for your sleep style and follow the care instructions carefully," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dwbc">writes MmeLaRue</a>. </p>
<p>This radial memory foam <a href="http://www.target.com/p/radial-memory-foam-pillow/-/A-10136462#prodSlot=medium_1_16">pillow at Target</a> works for most people and is $19.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/527417e3eab8ea186a59419f-1024-512/many-pillows-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Many Pillows" width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/revstan/4447545030/sizes/o/in/photolist-7M1QbS-8PuKLT-a6f4wW-91Zmub-9bPwdn-8H1JLq-83HhTw-7TGZhk-b1Z2He-dUr4vC-8j5NZa-9WLWZi-89FQt1-8EGA5n-egs4zi-8tm1SW-bexxBi-8qhks9-aRSa9e-dgiGNU-ct8xFw-8fkHc9-9BgRze-7HhZHq-drxVcN-bw1BHu-aw7ioH-8tfDiw-9fcqFd-7VAqsy-7Vxbxt/">Via Flickr</a></p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>14. Fresh pepper grinder</strong></h3>
<p>"Freshly cracked black pepper corns will blow your mind," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0doc1">writes edeneleven11</a>.</p>
<p>The WEBstaurant Store <a href="http://www.webstaurantstore.com/18-tall-dark-finish-pepper-mill/583PM18.html?utm_source=Google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&amp;gclid=CMGy5pqcxLoCFYSd4Aod-XIAgg">has a fancy-looking on</a>e for $14.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/5274184769bedd2c7cafe9b3-1000-500/black-pepper-grinder.jpg" border="0" alt="black pepper grinder" width="800" /><p class="source">Shutterstock</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>15. Micro-chip for your pet</strong></h3>
<p>"The police and local shelters have the equipment to scan you pet. If they find the chip number, they call the company and you are notified," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0h03l">writes jpsrv</a>. "You go pick up your pet. Without a microchip, in most animal shelters throughout the US, your pet is euthanized."</p>
<p>ValleyVet.com has a <a href="http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=2e87c336-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5&amp;ccd=IFP003&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;mr:trackingCode=1955C464-3C81-E211-BA78-001B21631C34&amp;mr:referralID=NA&amp;mr:adType=pla&amp;mr:ad=14698119403&amp;mr:keyword=&amp;mr:match=&amp;mr:filter=34417072123&amp;gclid=CKWv67icxLoCFcuZ4AodrkgATw">microchip for $16.99</a> that comes with a 15-digit code and syringe.</p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/527418966bb3f71d4ec39d5f-1200-600/dog-on-bed-5.jpg" border="0" alt="dog on bed" width="800" /><p class="source">Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>16. Zip ties</strong></h3>
<p>"Life saver at my job and at home!" <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0kz4e">writes autumnjoy</a>. </p>
<p>Get 100 of them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Zip-Tie-100-Bag/dp/B0001IMMJI">on Amazon for $12.95</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static5.businessinsider.com/image/527418c6eab8ea896c5941a8-1152-576/zip-ties.jpg" border="0" alt="zip ties" width="800" /><p class="source"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Cable_ties.jpg">Wikimedia commons</a></p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>17. Deck of cards</strong></h3>
<p>"Learn some easy tricks to blow minds," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0cf3l">says M99Syringe</a>. </p>
<p>Bicycle <a href="http://www.shopbicyclecards.com/Street-Art-P205.aspx">has an awesome</a> street artist-designed deck for just $3.99. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static2.businessinsider.com/image/527418e16bb3f7654ec39d68-1200-600/bridge-cards-trump-card-4.jpg" border="0" alt="bridge cards trump card" width="800" /><p class="source">Bruno Vincent/Getty</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>18. Swiss Army Knife keychain</strong></h3>
<p>"I find a use for it almost every day," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0jc3q">writes Meath77</a>. </p>
<p>Swiss Knife Store <a href="http://www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-classic-sd?zmam=18093142&amp;zmac=25&amp;zmas=1&amp;zmap=SA53005&amp;gclid=CJGTjMCdxLoCFcid4AodV04AvQ">has one for $15.95</a>, and you can choose from a variety of colors and designs. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/527419066bb3f7d14bc39d66-1200-600/swiss-army-knives-2.jpg" border="0" alt="swiss army knives" width="800" /><p class="source">AP</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>19. French press </strong></h3>
<p>"It makes your coffee much stronger and tastier," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0i9bh">writes Deetz_Z. </a></p>
<p>Get a top-of-the-line Bodum french press <a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bodum-brazil-8-cup-french-press?ID=432167&amp;cm_mmc=Google_DMA_Home_Cookware_PLA-_-PLA+Home+Generic+-+Cookware_PLA+-+Cookware-_-31118134700_-_-_mkwid_AQSkg2zp|d{device}_31118134700%7C-%7CAQSkg2zp">at Macy's for $19.99</a>. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5274192569beddf67aafe9aa-1183-591/coffee-french-press-7.png" border="0" alt="Coffee, French Press" width="800" /><p class="source">Robert Libetti/ Business Insider</p></div><p></p></div></p>
<h3><strong>20. Spotify</strong></h3>
<p>"The most convenient way to listen to music," <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1pa9dg/reddit_what_is_one_product_under_20_that_you/cd0dw1g">writes Mikey193</a>. </p>
<p>For about $10 a month you get a <a href="https://www.spotify.com/us/">premium membership</a> that includes offline syncing and streaming songs with no ads. </p>
<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static6.businessinsider.com/image/52741947eab8ea0f6f59419f-1200-600/spotify-for-ipad-4.png" border="0" alt="spotify for ipad" width="800" /><p class="source">Spotify</p></div><p></p></div></p>

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