Toothpaste contains ingredients that lose potency over time, giving it a defined shelf life. Understanding how to locate and interpret the expiration date is important for maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires an expiration date on all fluoride-containing toothpastes because fluoride is considered an active drug ingredient for cavity prevention. Checking this date ensures the product provides the maximum intended benefit for fighting decay.
Where to Find the Expiration Date
The expiration date is typically printed on the packaging. The most frequent place to look is on the crimped, sealed end of the tube, opposite the cap. This date is often embossed, stamped, or printed directly onto the plastic or foil material. Because the printing is sometimes faint or the same color as the tube material, you may need to tilt the tube under bright light to read the code clearly. If the tube is packaged in a cardboard box, the expiration date or manufacturing code will also be printed on one of the bottom flaps. This date on the box is often easier to read than the one applied directly to the tube itself.
Interpreting Date Formats and Codes
The expiration date is usually presented in a standard, easily recognizable format, often indicating the month and year. Common formats include MM/YY (e.g., 03/26) or YYYY/MM/DD, which clearly communicate the last date the product is fully effective. Some manufacturers, however, use a different system that requires decoding. This less common system involves a manufacturing or lot code which may consist of a sequence of letters and numbers. If only a manufacturing date is present, the standard shelf life for an unopened tube of toothpaste is generally two years from the production date.
Why Expiration Dates Matter (Efficacy and Safety)
The primary reason to pay attention to the expiration date is the product’s effectiveness against tooth decay. Fluoride, the active ingredient in most toothpastes, is responsible for strengthening tooth enamel and remineralizing weakened areas. Over time, the chemical stability of the fluoride compound diminishes, reducing its ability to provide maximum protection against cavities. Once the expiration date passes, the toothpaste may not offer the therapeutic level of fluoride needed to perform its main function.
Beyond the active ingredients, the inactive components can also degrade, leading to undesirable changes in the paste itself. The mixture may start to separate, becoming watery or grainy, or it may dry out and become harder to squeeze from the tube. While using expired toothpaste is generally not considered unsafe or toxic, it simply will not deliver the expected level of oral health protection. The breakdown of preservatives can, in rare cases, allow for microbial growth, particularly if the tube has been opened and exposed to moisture for a long period.