Thanks to Andrew Martineau, Gators spirit can be taken to the next level: personal hygiene.
Gator Paste, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is a fluoride protection toothpaste made especially for Gators fans.
The 6.4-ounce tube of toothpaste can be purchased for about $3 at the UF Bookstore and local CVS and Walgreens stores.
Martineau, a dentist from Sarasota, said his love for dentistry and college football led to its creation.
"It was natural for me to make a toothpaste called Gator Paste," he said. "There will always be toothpaste, and there will always be Gator fans."
David Ford, the general merchandise coordinator at the UF Bookstore, said Gator Paste is a success. They also carry a Gator toothbrush to pair with the toothpaste.
Amber Atkins, a UF architecture junior, said she likes the idea of Gator Paste.
"I would buy it," Atkins said. "I don't know if it's a great product, but it's fun. Honestly, just because it's Gators."
Martineau has tapped into the mindset Atkins shares with other members of The Gator Nation.
"Gator Paste puts a smile on people's faces," Martineau said. "People see a Gator toothpaste, and they go nuts."
The Collegiate Licensing Company and the University Athletic Association have licensed Gator Paste, and a portion of the sales goes back to the UAA.
Gainesville is not the only place Gator Paste is picking up popularity.
Martineau set up a Gator Paste booth at the Florida National Dental Convention, where other dentists can buy Gator Paste and give it to their patients.
"One dentist gave it to a patient, and the patient refused to use it because it was Gators," he said. "The client then gave it to one of his friends who is a Gator fan, and now the friend is ordering it straight from me."
Gator Paste's success has caused Martineau to think about the future. He said Gators fans can expect an all-natural Gator Paste soon.
