this holder/squeezer holds the tube while u push down on the squeezer to extract toothpaste. the toothpaste tube will hang down as you slide the squeezer down the tube. you slide the toothpaste tube end through the squeezer slot first , then fold the end of the tube at 90 degree angle to slide in the slot in the holder. this keeps the tube from coming out. then slide squeezer down the tube to extract toothpaste.