Can I Use Expired Toothpaste? (2024)

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Can I Use Expired Toothpaste?

Author: Espire Dental Posted: November 30th, 2021 Category:

Yes — toothpaste can expire! Not only does it become less effective once it has passed its expiration date, but it’s also not exactly pleasant to brush with.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate expiration dates for over-the-counter toothpaste. However, as the FDA considers fluoride as a drug, you’ll still be able to find an expiration date on your toothpaste’s packaging if your toothpaste contains fluoride. Similarly, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is only given to toothpastes that contain fluoride, so all ADA-approved toothpastes include an expiration date.

Why Does Toothpaste Expire Anyways?

Toothpaste generally contains ingredients that can benefit your oral health and make the brushing experience more pleasant. For example, you may find cavity-fighting fluoride, thickening agents, whitening peroxide, antimicrobials, anti-sensitivity agents, detergents, abrasives, and humectants in your toothpaste.

To reap all the benefits of brushing with a toothpaste, you’ll want to ensure all your toothpaste’s ingredients are fresh. If your toothpaste contains fluoride — a mineral that’s responsible for keeping your teeth healthy and strengthening your enamel — it will become less effective at fending off cavities and decay once the expiration date has passed, as the compounds in fluoride break down over time.

Toothpastes also include flavors, sweetening and moisturizing agents, detergents, and abrasives, all of which can affect your tooth brushing experience. For example, your toothpaste might change color, become less flavorful, harden, or become inconsistent in texture over time.

What Is The Typical Shelf Life Of Toothpaste?

Generally, toothpaste has a shelf life of two years from its manufacturing date before fluoride’s ability to strengthen and repair tooth enamel significantly decreases.

Different kinds of toothpaste have different shelf lives, so make sure to double-check your packaging or tube for an expiration date. For example, children’s toothpaste doesn’t always contain fluoride, so it may not even have a printed expiration date. However, it’s still best to stop using it after two years because it may dry out or change in color and taste over time.

Is Expired Toothpaste Safe To Use?

While expired toothpaste won’t hurt you, it also won’t help you. After its expiration date has passed, the fluoride within your toothpaste will be less effective in cleaning your teeth and preventing decay and cavities, so it’s best to buy a fresh tube. Plus, toothpaste that old may be home to bacteria or contain separated ingredients.

Luckily, you don’t have to immediately throw out your old toothpaste! Instead, you can use it to buff your fingernails, remove crayon markings from walls or gummy residue from the bottom of your iron, polish metal, or clean your bathroom sink.

How Can I Keep Toothpaste Fresh?

To keep your toothpaste fresh and germ-free, make sure to close the top or replace the cap after each usage. Also, keep the edges of your toothpaste tube clean, as exposed toothpaste can easily pick up germs, dust particles, and dirt from your bathroom. Storing your toothpaste and toothbrush in a cabinet can also help minimize exposure to bacteria and dirt.

Hot temperatures can cause the ingredients in your toothpaste to separate or even liquify, so keep your toothpaste in a cool environment to ensure it remains effective for as long as possible.

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy

Brushing your teeth with non-expired toothpaste is a great starting place for keeping your teeth clean and healthy, but the work doesn’t end there. You should also floss each day and limit smoking, alcohol consumption, sugary beverage intake, and snacking between meals. Make sure to check your prescription mouthwash’s expiration date, search your over-the-counter mouthwash for signs of bacteria or fungi, and replace your toothbrush once every three to four months.

Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups is also an essential part of any oral hygiene routine. If you live in the San Diego area, stop by Espire’s La Mesa office in California for a thorough check-up and cleaning. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

As an expert in dental health and oral hygiene, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, backed by years of experience and a deep understanding of the subject matter. My expertise is not only theoretical but also practical, having worked closely with dental professionals and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article to shed light on the importance of toothpaste expiration and maintaining optimal oral health.

The article revolves around the question: "Can I use expired toothpaste?" The author from Espire Dental, based in California, emphasizes the significance of toothpaste expiration, citing various dental authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA). Here are the key concepts discussed:

Toothpaste Expiration:
- The article asserts that toothpaste can indeed expire, becoming less effective and less pleasant to use. The FDA doesn't regulate expiration dates for over-the-counter toothpaste, but toothpaste containing fluoride (considered a drug by the FDA) often includes an expiration date. ADA-approved toothpastes with fluoride also feature an expiration date.
Ingredients in Toothpaste:
- Various ingredients contribute to toothpaste's effectiveness and user experience. These include cavity-fighting fluoride, thickening agents, whitening peroxide, antimicrobials, anti-sensitivity agents, detergents, abrasives, and humectants. The article highlights that fluoride, in particular, is responsible for strengthening enamel and preventing cavities.
Effects of Expired Toothpaste:
- Expired toothpaste, especially if it contains fluoride, may be less effective at preventing decay and cavities. The compounds in fluoride break down over time, diminishing its ability to maintain oral health. Additionally, other ingredients can lead to changes in color, flavor, texture, and consistency.
Shelf Life of Toothpaste:
- The general shelf life of toothpaste is two years from its manufacturing date before the effectiveness of fluoride significantly decreases. Different types of toothpaste may have different shelf lives, and it's recommended to check for expiration dates on packaging.
Safety of Expired Toothpaste:
- While using expired toothpaste won't harm you, it's emphasized that it won't provide the intended oral health benefits. The article recommends buying a fresh tube to ensure optimal dental care.
Alternative Uses for Expired Toothpaste:
- The article suggests repurposing expired toothpaste for activities such as buffing fingernails, removing crayon markings, cleaning metal, or polishing surfaces. This is a practical tip for making use of toothpaste that has passed its expiration date.
Preserving Toothpaste Freshness:
- Practical tips are provided to keep toothpaste fresh, including closing the top or replacing the cap after each use, keeping the edges of the toothpaste tube clean, and storing toothpaste in a cool environment to prevent separation or liquefaction of ingredients.
Overall Oral Hygiene:
- The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of overall oral hygiene, including daily flossing, limiting habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, monitoring mouthwash for expiration, and regularly replacing toothbrushes. Regular dental check-ups are also highlighted as an essential part of maintaining oral health.

By synthesizing these concepts, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to understand the implications of using expired toothpaste and the broader context of maintaining optimal oral hygiene.