Does Toothpaste Expire? Truth Need to Know

Introduction:

Toothpaste is an essential part of our daily oral hygiene routine. We use it twice daily to keep our teeth and gums healthy and clean. However, have you ever wondered does toothpaste expires? The short answer is yes, toothpaste does expire. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the shelf life of toothpaste, how to tell if it’s expired, and how to store it to extend its lifespan properly.

How long does toothpaste last?

Every toothpaste has a shelf life of about two years from the date of manufacture. Most toothpaste tubes have an expiration date printed on the packaging. You can check the batch code to determine the manufacturing date if you need clarification on the expiration date. Over time, toothpaste can lose its effectiveness as its active ingredients break down.

How to tell if toothpaste is expired

Expired toothpaste can become less effective and may provide a different level of protection against tooth decay and gum disease. Here are a few signs that your toothpaste may be expired:

The flavor or scent has changed or diminished.
The texture has become grainy or lumpy.
The color has changed, especially if it has turned brown or yellow.
The toothpaste is past its expiration date.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to replace your toothpaste.

Factors that affect toothpaste’s shelf life

Many factors can affect the shelf life of toothpaste, including:

Exposure to air and light can cause the active ingredients to break down more quickly.
High temperatures can cause toothpaste to dry out and become less effective.
Humidity can cause toothpaste to become moldy or contaminated with bacteria.

How to properly store toothpaste

To extend the lifespan of your toothpaste, it’s essential to store it properly. Here are a few tips for storing toothpaste:

Keep the toothpaste tube tightly sealed when not in use.
Store toothpaste in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Avoid storing toothpaste in the bathroom, where it can be exposed to moisture.
Use a toothbrush to dispense toothpaste rather than your fingers, which can introduce bacteria into the tube.

Can expired toothpaste make you sick?

While using expired toothpaste is unlikely to make you sick, it may not provide the same protection against tooth decay and gum disease.

Can you use toothpaste past its expiration date?

It’s best to use toothpaste only after its expiration date. If your toothpaste is expired, it’s time to replace it.

Can toothpaste go bad if it’s never been opened?

Toothpaste can still go bad even if it’s never been opened. Exposure to air, light, and humidity can all cause toothpaste to break down over time.

Conclusion:

Toothpaste is a crucial component of our oral hygiene routine, and it’s essential to know when it’s time to replace it. While toothpaste does expire, it’s easy to tell when it’s time to replace it by checking for color, texture, or scent changes. Properly storing toothpaste can help extend its lifespan, ensuring that it remains effective for as long as possible.

Related Article: Tooth Decay at Gum Line

Related Article: Can Tooth Decay be Reversed

References

Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection. Colgate Palmolive. (n.d.). Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://colgate.com.pk/product/colgate-maximum-cavity-protection/

Benzian, H., Holmgren, C., & Helderman, W. van P. (1970, January 1). Efficacy of fluoride toothpaste over time. Brazilian Dental Journal. Retrieved February 20, 2023, from https://www.scielo.br/j/bdj/a/W7zQPNLxm3ztxxTxZzYwR6J/?lang=en

Walsh, T., Worthington, H. V., Glenny, A. M., Marinho, V. C., & Jeroncic, A. (2019). Fluoride toothpastes of different concentrations for preventing dental caries. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 3(3), CD007868. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007868.pub3