Have you ever found an unopened tube of toothpaste while cleaning out your bathroom? Aside from being a little dusty it looks perfectly fine, and you don’t see a “best by” date on it anywhere. Does that mean it’s safe to use? Dental products like toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash don’t have an expiration date printed on them, but they do show the date they were manufactured. And like an expiration date, each dental product is only good for so long after that date. They may not go bad in the same way that foods and drinks do, but that doesn’t always mean dental products are safe to use after they’ve expired. Read on to learn more about the expiration dates on dental products you use every day and which ones matter the most for your oral health.
Toothpaste
That old tube of toothpaste you found isn’t dangerous, but it isn’t good for you either. Two years after its manufactured date, the flavor and fluoride will fade. While a less-flavorful toothpaste isn’t a big deal, the strength of the fluoride is. Old fluoride won’t stick to your teeth as well, ultimately not protecting you from cavities. If you have no other option, using that old toothpaste won’t hurt you. However, if you continue to use it, you’ll be putting your teeth in danger.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash is mostly water with an added antiseptic like alcohol to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, that active ingredient can’t keep it from going bad. The antiseptic will start to dissolve two years past its manufactured date. Not only will it lose its effectiveness, but it puts your mouthwash at a higher risk for growing bacteria. This oral healthcare product is definitely something you want to avoid if it’s expired.
Floss
You should replace your floss if you notice it’s brittle or breaks easily. Other than that, floss is one of the only dental products without an expiration date! A year after the manufactured date it will lose its minty flavor, but will continue to be effective with proper use!
Toothbrush
Your toothbrush won’t expire in a set amount of time after its manufactured date, but it certainly needs to be replaced often. The soft bristles on your toothbrush become frayed and worn down very quickly after constant use, becoming far less effective at cleaning your teeth. It’s recommended that you should use a new toothbrush every 3-4 months to replace those worn out bristles with new ones that are up to the task of removing plaque and food particles.
Preventive care and great oral habits like regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash are the best way to stop health issues like cavities and gum disease as early as possible. Protect your teeth by seeing your dentist regularly and keeping an eye on the expiration date of some of your favorite dental products!
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana is a graduate of the prestigious New York University and an active member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Dallas County Dental Association. He is a strong believer in the power of preventive dentistry and the importance of healthy oral habits at home. If you’d like to know more about the article you just read, he can be reached at his website or at (469) 399-7288.