Toothpaste and mouthwash are core dental care tools. Like everything, they have an expiration date, and it’s essential to understand the purpose. Using anything beyond expiration can have consequences. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to ensure you’re practicing proper oral hygiene at home.

Understanding Toothpaste & Mouthwash Expiration Dates

Why They’re Used

The American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require that these products have an expiration date. This is primarily because of fluoride, an essential ingredient in toothpaste for strengthening teeth and remineralizing enamel.

Mouthwash also has FDA- and ADA-determined expiration dates. This is typically related to the product’s effectiveness rather than it becoming a danger because of over-dated ingredients. It’s also because these dental care products are classified as “drugs” since they’re being used to treat or prevent a condition.

Look for the expiration date printed on the box and tube of your toothpaste. The average lifespan of these products is two years after manufacture. Mouthwash typically lasts two years as well, and the expiration date is printed on the side or bottom of the bottle.

Using Products After Expiration

While it’s rarely dangerous to use expired dental care products, it will create roadblocks. Degraded fluoride will be less effective, and expired mouthwash may dry your mouth out, which can lead to discomfort and promote decay. Ingredients may separate, further reducing efficacy, and some bacteria or fungi may have grown inside the tube.

While children’s toothpaste rarely contains fluoride, you should still adhere to the expiration date. If you have trouble reading the date on your dental care products, play it safe by disposing of them and purchasing new ones.

If you’re overdue for a dental care exam, contact Brandi Prather, DMD, PSC. This Somerset, KY, dentist specializes in pediatric dentistry and maintains a welcoming, comfortable environment for patients. Dr. Prather takes a personalized approach to care and handles everything from teeth cleanings to cosmetic repairs. Call (606) 679-5437 to schedule a dental care exam and connect on Facebook for news and updates.