Posted on 5/24/2021 by Amir Sanjabi, DDS
Most people assume that toothpaste stays good forever and they only replace it when it is finished. This is a bad habit that can result in serious consequences. Using expired toothpaste puts you at risk of several conditions. Therefore, it is important to understand what an expired toothpaste can do to you in order to avoid using it.
The Dangers Of An Expired Toothpaste
Thankfully, using expired toothpaste doesn’t result in extreme conditions like losing your teeth. However, it can make your gums become irritated and reddish, increasing the chances of gum disease. We recommend that you regularly check the expiry date on your toothpaste to avoid using an expired one.
Apart from potential damage to your gums, another problem with expired toothpaste is that it will no longer be effective. If the toothpaste had components like calcium and fluoride, it will not be effective after the expiry date. The consequences of using such toothpaste can be severe. For instance, if you use expired toothpaste for a month, it is the equivalent of not brushing your teeth at all for two weeks. This means that an expired toothpaste will do half the job. As a result, bacteria will build up in your mouth, leading to conditions like tooth decay and cavities. Furthermore, you might also experience significant damage to your gums.
We Can Help
As much as using expired toothpaste will not cause direct damage to your teeth, it can contribute to factors that affect your oral health. This is why we recommend that you always replace your toothpaste once it has expired. Apart from the toothpaste, you need to keep an eye on your toothbrush. You should always replace it after two to three months for the best results. Visit our offices for more information on the dangers of using expired toothpaste.