I've often wondered if toothpaste really does go bad? Here's the answer.
But what happens to toothpaste when it expires?
According to Dr. John Sullivan, a Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) member and a general dentist in Westfield, the answer is, "Nothing. The reason toothpaste has an expiration date is only because the government requires it, notes Dr. Sullivan.
All fluoride-containing toothpastes require approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). To this end, the USFDA requires that a two-year expiration date be put on the product container.
"The elements found in toothpaste, including fluoride, don't expire, and toothpaste isn't any less effective if it's used after the expiration date," says Dr. Sullivan.
http://www.webdentistry.com/Story1203.html
Didn't think it did. :) We have seven tubes in our storage - I figure we're set for a while.
ReplyDeleteSome comments have refered to the belief that a person's mouth germs on their brush can work it's way into the opening of the tube, thus exposing other family members to his or her germs. If that's a real concern then they should use the kind that comes in a stand-up container. That way you just hold it about 1/4" to 1/2" above the brush. That way there's no cross contamination worries.
ReplyDelete