The question is, “does mouthwash expire? Well, if you leave a pack of juice over the counter for many days without using it; what will you do? Most likely, you will sniff it to check the freshness and decide whether to drink it or throw it away. The same goes for mouthwash! The difference is you cannot really sniff the harm every time out of the mouthwash, so it is rather better to look for an expiry date.
When Does Mouthwash Expire?
Unlike other perishable goods we use in our daily lives, mouthwash has a comparatively longer life span of 2-3 years. When we talk about expiry dates, you may assume that expiration dates are when the product is at its peak and not actually expired. However, the case is not the same with a mouthwash. A mouthwash may seem perfectly fine with its appearance and smell, while the expiration date might tell you a whole new story. A rule of thumb is always not to use skincare and ingestion products after the expiry date.
There are two types of mouthwash, and the expiration criteria also vary from type to type and brand to brand:
- The cosmetic mouthwash is most commonly used to freshen your breath and give your mouth a good taste while doing nothing to kill bacteria and germs. As per the regulations, this type of mouthwash may lose its effectiveness as long as you let it settle down on the shelf. However, even if it’s near expiration, it only loses its effectiveness and does not impose any serious harmful effects.
- On the other hand, the therapeutic mouthwash has tons of active ingredients, including fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine, which reduces its effect with time but also turns out to be harmful if used after the expiry date.
Moreover, the use of alcohol, anti-microbial, and preservatives also allows them to be effective and safe to use for three years from the manufacturing date.
How Does Mouthwash Expire?
The chemical formulation of a mouthwash includes an ample amount of water; along with the use of alcohol and other antiseptic components. These components and alcohol start to dissolve after two to three years and essentially waters down the liquid; which eventually boosts the chances of bacterial growth.
What Happens If I Use An Expired Mouthwash?
There is no point in using an expired product as clear as it is. And when it is for your mouth; it is one of the most sensitive parts of your body that can be brutally attacked if exposed to expired mouthwash. Where mouthwashes are manufactured to help us get rid of the cavities and bacteria; an expired mouthwash can be a source to make the germs active in your mouth and impose harmful effects on health.
All in all, if you are still wondering, “does your mouthwash expire? The answer is yes, yes, yes! So, now, if you see an old bottle of it lying on your shelf; you should not use it without professional consultation. We at Angleton Family Dental provide professional consultation to people with different mouth ailments and needs. To schedule an appointment with specialists, call us at (979) 308-4450. After all, mouth care is a priority!
