Well, as we all brush our teeth every day, all of us have had the ‘out-of-paste’ experience. One question that definitely comes to our minds is, does toothpaste expire? Toothpaste does expire, but is it really necessary to throw it away after expiration? In this article, we will find out if toothpaste really expires or not.
What is Toothpaste Expiration?
Like most products, toothpaste comes with an expiration date. Toothpaste manufacturers determine an expiration date by calculating how long the product will stay stable and effective. Toothpastes can go bad due to ingredients present in them. Fluoride, triclosan, and hydrogen peroxide are some of the ingredients ever present in toothpaste. Over time, these ingredients may not perform up to the expected level, and the consistency of toothpaste changes.
Do All Tubes of Toothpaste Go Bad?
Yes, all toothpaste does have an expiration date. Not all toothpaste is labeled with an expiration date, though. For example, the United States requires that manufacturers put an expiration date on toothpaste and other such products. Other countries may not have this requirement.
How Long Does Toothpaste Last?
Clearly, the shelf life would differ from brand to brand and what it contains. Primarily, the shelf life of a toothpaste is anywhere between two years. However, this does vary from brand to brand and type of toothpaste.
Storing toothpaste correctly is also important so that it will last as long as possible. Keep the toothpaste in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, which may dry it out and render it less effective.
What Happens When Toothpaste Expires?
Older toothpaste has reduced performance. On its expiry, its active ingredients like fluoride, triclosan, and hydrogen peroxide begin breaking down, rendering the toothpaste less effective in cleaning the teeth and fighting off dental caries.
Another thing that happens as toothpaste grows older is that it dries out and crumbles, becoming very hard to spread on the toothbrush. Its flavor can also be changed with time, hence making the experience of using such a toothpaste unappealing.
Is Expired Toothpaste Harmful?
Using expired toothpaste is not dangerous for your health; however, it just does not clean as well and fights against tooth decay. For this reason, one should change their toothpaste before the expiration date for better performance.
Even though using an expired toothpaste isn’t harmful, you should keep your toothbrush and the tube of toothpaste sterile from bacteria.
How to Tell If Toothpaste Has Expired?
The toothpaste manufacturers print an expiration date on the packaging. However, if there is no date indicated for expiration, there is no need to worry; there are other ways that can be done to know whether the toothpaste is already expired or not.
Conclusion
To sum up, toothpaste does expire and it is less effective over time. Its normal shelf life is usually two years, but it could be varied depending on the brand and type. What’s important to make sure the toothpaste lasts longer is to keep it in proper storage.