### Why Does Toothpaste Expire? Toothpaste expires mainly because of its active ingredient, fluoride. Over time, fluoride can degrade and become less effective at preventing cavities. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) require toothpaste to have an expiration date to ensure safety and quality. Typically, toothpaste expires about two years after it is manufactured. ### What Happens When Toothpaste Expires? Using expired toothpaste is not harmful, but it is also not beneficial. The active ingredients, especially fluoride, lose their effectiveness over time. This means that expired toothpaste may not effectively clean your teeth or prevent cavities. ### What to Do with Expired Toothpaste? If your toothpaste has expired, it's best not to use it for brushing your teeth. However, you can use it for other purposes such as cleaning around the house or polishing silver. ### Tips for Optimal Oral Health - Always use toothpaste with fluoride to help fight cavities. - Check the expiration date before purchasing or using toothpaste. - Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. - Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. ### Special Considerations for Children For children under the age of six, fluoride intake should be monitored. Use a smear the size of a grain of rice for children up to three years old and a pea-sized amount for children aged three to six. Always supervise young children to ensure they spit out the toothpaste rather than swallow it.