The toothpaste pump, also known as a toothpaste pump dispenser, is a device used to contain and dispense toothpaste, akin to a tube. An automatic toothpaste dispenser is a self-starting way to dispense toothpaste.

Pump

Several innovative designs have been developed^{[1] [2][3][4]} depending on the flow properties of the toothpaste.^[5] One involves a rigid toothpaste pump made of a hard plastic and functions by pressing a knob on top rather than squeezing the tube.^[6] Henkel were the first to sell their toothpaste in a pump in West Germany, and it was marketed in the United States beginning in 1984. A toothpaste pump was first marketed by Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom in 1982.^[6] Unilever and Colgate began marketing their toothpaste pumps soon after.^[6]

Automated dispenser

An automatic toothpaste dispenser is a wall-mounted or counter-top device used to dispense toothpaste by pressing the toothbrush against the inside plates of the dispenser, so it automatically squeezes an appropriate amount of toothpaste and avoids waste.^{[7][8][9] [10]} Most modern automatic dispensers incorporate a toothbrush holder, and in some of the advanced models the holder also functions as a toothbrush sanitizer.^[11]