Dr Najat Abdrabbo Alyafei
Many people may not realize that toothpaste has uses beyond brushing teeth. Often, we may unknowingly use expired toothpaste, prompting important questions: Does it pose a health risk? Should it be discarded immediately?
In this article, we highlight the scientific facts about using toothpaste past its expiration date and explore creative and safe ways to repurpose it at home far from the trash bin.
Sometimes, a person may use toothpaste without noticing its expiration date, only to discover later that it has expired. This raises an important question: Is it harmful to health? And does it reduce the effectiveness of the toothpaste in protecting teeth?
Scientifically speaking, using expired toothpaste does not pose an immediate health risk and does not cause disease or serious complications. Toothpastes do not become toxic after expiration; however, they may gradually lose their protective effectiveness. This is primarily because the active ingredient in most toothpastes (fluoride) begins to break down or interact with other components over time, reducing its ability to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
In addition, expired toothpaste may undergo physical changes such as drying out or separating into layers, making it less pleasant and less effective to use. In rare cases, especially if the tube has been left open or stored improperly, bacteria or fungi may grow inside, increasing the risk of oral irritation or systemic infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. If the toothpaste smells bad or shows any change in taste or color, it may be due to microbial contamination. It will be unsafe to use and replace it immediately.
It’s important to note that most manufacturers set toothpaste expiration dates at about two years from the production date, in line with guidelines from global health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA). During this period, the manufacturer guarantees the product's intended performance.
As for the impact of using expired toothpaste on a person’s life, there is no evidence suggesting it could cause serious health harm or have a direct life-threatening effect. However, prolonged use of expired toothpaste may lead to a gradual decline in protection against cavities and gum disease, especially if not balanced by other preventive measures like a healthy diet and regular dental checkups. Thus, the risk is indirect, manifesting as long-term weakening of oral care, not immediate danger.
Therefore, it is advisable to check the expiration date of your toothpaste and replace it once it has expired, not out of fear of poisoning, but to ensure you get the maximum preventive benefit from fluoride and maintain optimal oral health.
That said, expired toothpaste can still be repurposed for various household tasks. Although it is not recommended for brushing due to its reduced effectiveness, it can serve as a mild abrasive cleaner. It’s useful for polishing jewelry, whitening sneakers, cleaning sinks and chrome fixtures, and removing stains from iron plates. It can also eliminate strong odors from hands (like garlic or fish) or act as a light deodorizer for trash bins and surfaces.
Another useful application is using expired toothpaste to remove minor scratches from surfaces such as glass, phone and watch screens, and even car headlights, restoring some of their shine and clarity. Additionally, based on home experiences, some people believe that the strong scent of toothpaste, especially mint varieties, can temporarily repel ants or small insects when applied in entry points. However, this idea has not been scientifically proven and should not be relied upon as an effective pest control method.
Toothpaste may also be used as a home remedy to soothe skin irritation caused by insect bites or minor burns, though caution is advised to avoid skin sensitivity. Lastly, it can act as a temporary wall filler for small holes, serving as a quick fix until proper repair is done.
In conclusion, we assure you that using expired toothpaste does not pose a direct health risk, but it does lose its protective value over time. So, don’t rush to throw it away, think instead about repurposing it in smart and useful ways around your home.
