How Long Can You Use Toothpaste after the Expiration Date?

You might not even realize it, but toothpaste does have an expiration date. Contrary to popular belief, toothpaste is not a non-perishable thing like most people seem to think. Toothpaste typically has an expiration date that is approximately two years from the manufacture date.

The next time you run out of toothpaste and find an old tube that has been in one of your travel cases for years, make sure you look for its expiry date.

Right now, you are probably wondering what happens if you end up using toothpaste that has already expired. Will your teeth fall out? Will you collapse to the floor while gasping for air?

What will happen?

What you need to know

Expired toothpaste is not really that bad. It is just not as effective as toothpaste that is not expired since the active ingredients might no longer be active. That means you pretty much will not get any of the benefits on the tube. You just get something to clean your mouth with.

It is better than only using a brush without any paste, but be ready for a weird taste or something that seems more runny than usual. Even toothpaste that does not have an expiry date is not as effective once two years past its manufacture. Since expired toothpaste is not anywhere as effective as recently made tubes, you always want to keep an eye out for the manufacture date when shopping.

That is even more important than the expiration date since you want something that was recently manufactured. It is often better to go with well-known brand names since these companies consistently make quality products, and toothpaste, in general, is rather cheap. A brand name toothpaste costs only a buck or so more than generic brands.

Other things to look for in toothpaste include:

1. Fluoride

Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth's enamel. Getting adequate amounts is essential for good health, so you want to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride when possible. This will help to keep your teeth healthy and fight off tooth decay. A toothpaste that contains fluoride will typically have an expiration date since U.S. law mandates it.

2. Tartar control

Tartar turns food particles in your mouth into acids that destroy the enamel of your teeth. Tartar is a hard substance that forms on your teeth and it can only be removed by a dentist using a specialized tool. You can protect your teeth from tartar by using a toothpaste that has tartar control. This helps to remove tartar buildup in its early stages and helps to prevent future buildups.

3. Anti-bacterial agents

Some toothpaste contains antibacterial agents like triclosan that can protect you from bacteria that lead to tooth decay and infections like gingivitis. Antibacterial toothpaste will also help you freshen your breath since it also kills bacteria that lead to bad breath.

The next time you end up accidentally using expired toothpaste, remember, there is no need to panic. Toothpaste that expires will work but not as well as recently manufactured pastes. Contact a dentist to find out more about toothpaste and taking care of your teeth.

Schedule a dental appointment:

Request a dental appointment here: https://dragonflydentalportcharlotte.com or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at (941) 676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte dental office.