Using expired toothpaste is not recommended, but it is not necessarily dangerous. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), toothpaste expires, and its effectiveness decreases after the expiration date, which is usually about two years from the date of manufacture
. Some potential issues with using expired toothpaste include:
- Less effective fluoride: The fluoride in toothpaste degrades over time, becoming less effective at preventing cavities and supporting the shiny white part of your tooth
- Dried out toothpaste: Expired toothpaste may become dried out, making it less pleasant to use
- Separated ingredients: The ingredients in toothpaste may separate, leading to an inconsistent texture
- Potential for bacteria or fungi growth: Expired toothpaste may contain growing bacteria or fungi if left uncapped or improperly handled
While expired toothpaste won't hurt you, it also won't help you as much in preventing cavities and tooth decay
. It is best to use toothpaste that hasn't reached its expiration date to ensure optimal oral hygiene. If you need a toothpaste alternative in a pinch, you can try one of these natural toothpaste recipes
