Have you ever grabbed your mouthwash, only to be caught thinking: "Does mouthwash expire?" You're not alone. It's a question lingering in the back of our heads, especially when we have a half-full bottle on the bathroom counter for months. You've probably noticed that, just like toothpaste, mouthwash carries an expiration date – but do you really need to worry about it? Can a bottle of mouthwash still get the job done after the expiration date, or are you just wasting your time and money?
The reality is that mouthwash does expire and weakens over time. Similar to other oral care products, its active ingredients break down and lose their effectiveness, and you will be left with an ineffective product that will no longer be able to work. In this guide, we will answer all the burning questions regarding the shelf life of mouthwash so that you know when to discard that old bottle and when it is okay to use it.
Does Mouthwash Expire?
You will find the expiration date on the bottom of your bottle of mouthwash, but does it expire? Yes, it does. Mouthwash does expire, just as any other type of product containing active ingredients to be used for a specific use. Most mouthwashes last two to three years, but that varies based on the type and brand.
The active ingredients in mouthwash, such as fluoride, alcohol, or antiseptics, deteriorate with time. These are the ones that kill germs and disinfect your mouth, and once they deteriorate, the mouthwash is ineffective. You might have noticed a difference in odour or texture if you've ever used mouthwash past the expiration date, but it's because the mixture is beginning to deteriorate.
Even if it may appear to be okay and still have that fresh scent, expired mouthwash no longer kills germs and removes bacteria. So, if you've been holding onto that bottle for months or years beyond its expiration date, you may not be receiving the protection that you believe you are. It pays to go through the expiration date and get rid of mouthwash that is beyond its shelf life to make sure your oral hygiene routine is really doing you some good.
How Long Does Mouthwash Last After the Expiration Date?
You might ask, how long is mouthwash good beyond the expiration date? Will it be effective a short time after the date, or is it ruined? The truth is that the expiration date is the manufacturer's best estimate of how long the product will remain effective. However, mouthwash does not spoil the instant it gets to its expiration date.
On average, most mouthwashes will still be somewhat effective for as long as six months past the expiration date, depending on how they've been stored. But the longer you wait, the more likely the active ingredients will break down.
Generally speaking, mouthwashes that contain alcohol may last a little longer than non-alcoholic mouthwashes because alcohol acts as a preservative. But even with alcohol-containing mouthwashes, the disinfecting ability of the solution will break down over time.
What actually happens is that the active ingredients, such as fluoride or antiseptics, lose potency, and the mouthwash may start to lose its bactericidal effectiveness and ability to enhance oral health. If you are still using the mouthwash that has expired, you may lose part of its full worth, so you should replace it after it has been past the expiration date for several months.
To avoid the hassle of whether your mouthwash is still effective or not, it's better to adhere to the expiration date. In case of doubt, it's better to purchase a fresh bottle. Your mouth deserves the best you can offer.
Can You Use Expired Mouthwash?
You can be inclined to swish once more using that expired mouthwash bottle before it is trashed. However, the issue remains: Is it safe to use expired mouthwash? Even though it won't hurt you, it's not advisable to use mouthwash after the expiry date.
Once the active ingredients become outdated, the therapeutic benefits mouthwash is intended to provide—cavity protection, prevention of gum disease, and having a clean-smelling mouth—are no longer assured.
Cosmetic Mouthwash
Cosmetic mouthwash, intended to freshen up your breath, simply won't do the job once it has expired. The ingredients become less effective, rendering the mouthwash unable to serve its intended function.
Therapeutic Mouthwash
In the instance of therapeutic mouthwash (fluoride or other active ingredients), the risk is higher. The active ingredients that inhibit bacteria growth or assist in oral health, such as fluoride, become diluted or deactivated. This implies your mouthwash can do the opposite—encourage bacteria growth instead of inhibiting it.
So, can you use mouthwash past the expiration date?
You can, but you shouldn't. The danger outweighs the benefits. The ingredients are not effective anymore, and they will not be good for your teeth or gums, and they might even create bad oral hygiene practices. If unsure, throw away the old bottle and purchase a new one to maintain your oral health at its best.
Does Mouthwash Expire If Unopened?
You might be wondering, does mouthwash expire if it isn't opened? Yes, it does. While a bottle of unopened mouthwash might seem like it will never expire, it does contain a shelf life that will be reached eventually. Here's why.
Although the bottle is closed, the active ingredients in the mouthwash may degrade over time.
The majority of mouthwashes have alcohol or fluoride, which have an expiration date. The chemical properties of these ingredients may weaken, even in a closed bottle, and impact the effectiveness of the mouthwash.
The expiration date on mouthwash is a measure of the stability of active ingredients, and while the bottle may seem absolutely perfect, the internal components may lose efficacy after a while. The shelf life of mouthwash, even if it is intact in its pack, is two to three years, depending on the product and preservatives.
That's the reason why, even if your mouthwash is still in the bottle and never opened, you still need to monitor its expiration date. Unopened mouthwash would last longer than an open one, but eventually, it would no longer provide the same type of protection or benefit.
So, while you can likely manage to get it a little past the expiration date, it's always best to exchange it for a new bottle so you're getting the best effect.
Does Expired Mouthwash Still Work?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Eventually, the active ingredients of mouthwash, whether fluoride, alcohol, or essential oils, become ineffective. The active ingredients are essential for mouthwash to function to fight bacteria, prevent plaque, and make your mouth smell fresh. Once the mouthwash has expired, the mouthwash just can't perform what is required of it.
Even if the mouthwash is nice and has a pleasant odour, it's whether the ingredients are doing a good job or not that actually matters. In therapeutic mouthwashes, this reduced strength results in improper protection against cavities, gum disease, or bad breath.
Cosmetic mouthwash that's past its date won't poison you, but it won't give you that fresh feeling, either. So, just because the liquid is still the same doesn't mean you should be deceived. Using mouthwash past its expiration date is equal to using something that doesn't work anymore.
What to Do With Expired Mouthwash?
Once your mouthwash has expired, it's time to say goodbye to it for oral hygiene. Don't use the expired mouthwash because it will no longer serve its function. But you don't need to throw it away immediately—there are genius ways to recycle it.
Dispose of it. Pour the mouthwash down the drain or dispose of it accordingly in line with local waste management regulations. For domestic purposes, expired mouthwash makes a fantastic cleaner. You can use expired mouthwash to clean mirrors, windows, and even toilets. The alcohol content can help remove stains and disinfect surfaces. You can even soak your toothbrush in expired mouthwash in order to sterilize it, but it will be less effective than fresh mouthwash.
In short, while expired mouthwash should not be used in your mouth, it could just as well have new life in keeping your home clean.
The Bottom Line
Always look for the expiration date on your mouthwash so that it remains effective. Expired mouthwash is not going to kill you, but it can no longer combat bacteria, stop plaque, and give you a fresh mouth. Even if the mouthwash is okay, the active ingredients are ineffective after the expiration date.
Remember that proper oral hygiene is not merely about using the right mouthwash. It is also about regular brushing and flossing. For a better oral hygiene experience, we suggest the Oclean X Pro Elite Sonic Toothbrush.
This high-tech toothbrush pairs well with the advantages of fresh, effective mouthwash, ensuring good cleaning and cavity and plaque protection. Ensure your oral hygiene routine involves both a good toothbrush and a fresh mouthwash to ensure a healthy, fresh smile.
Find out more about the Oclean Sonic Toothbrushes here.