Sandro Castro made an unusual request to his followers on Instagram, asking for their support. In a video clip, he is seen squeezing an empty toothpaste tube, admitting that he'll resort to brushing his teeth with soap.
It's perplexing to think that someone who can invest $50,000 to open a bar in Havana would be unable to afford a tube of toothpaste in Cuba.
Rather than eliciting sympathy or humor, Sandro's plea is perceived as mocking the harsh reality millions of Cubans face today, struggling with the chronic shortage of basic hygiene products, including toothpaste.
The Chronic Shortage of Toothpaste in Cuba
The lack of toothpaste has been a well-documented and ongoing issue in Cuba for years. Back in 2020, only 15% of the planned national production was achieved, leading to long lines for families to obtain a single tube per month.
By September 2024, Havana residents had endured six months without toothpaste rationed through their supply books, while in Las Tunas, the government distributed toothpaste allocated for March with a three-month delay.
Scams and Shortages: The Toothpaste Saga
In 2025, scams surfaced in La Cuevita, where counterfeit toothpaste tubes were sold containing sticks inside. By March 2026, Camagüey announced the distribution of the "Sonríe" brand toothpaste, which was ridiculed on social media due to the product's inconsistency in the market.
Understanding Cuba's Toothpaste Crisis
Why is there a shortage of toothpaste in Cuba?
The shortage is due to inadequate national production, which met only 15% of the planned amount in 2020, and ongoing supply chain issues.
How have Cubans reacted to the scarcity of toothpaste?
Cubans have expressed frustration and resorted to humor on social media, highlighting the challenges they face due to the inconsistent availability of basic hygiene products.
What are some of the scams related to toothpaste in Cuba?
One scam involved selling fake toothpaste tubes with sticks inside instead of the actual product, taking advantage of the scarcity.