What Happens if You Use Out of Date Mouthwash?

Mouthwash expires just like every other medicine, beverage and food.  This liquid can only sit on your bathroom counter for so long before it either goes bad or no longer proves effective for mouth cleaning.  If your mouthwash has expired, do not use it.

Below…

Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry takes a look at what happens when mouthwash reaches its expiration date and why you should not use it.

How Long can Mouthwash be Used?

In general, mouthwash can last for a couple years beyond the manufacture date.  At a maximum, mouthwash will last three years following the manufacture date. The majority of mouthwash has alcohol or another form of antiseptic.  While alcohol is an active ingredient, most types of mouthwash have a considerable amount of water. The antiseptic will begin to dissolve, after two to three years. The dissolving antiseptic will leave the mouthwash with that much more water and boost the chances of bacterial growth.

Throw out Old Mouthwash

There is no sense using a mouthwash that passes the expiration date.  If your mouthwash reaches the expiration date or is at least two years beyond the manufacture date, trash it.  Even if the expiration date has not been reached and the texture changes, you need to throw it away. Furthermore, if the mouthwash does not look normal, do not hesitate to throw it away.

What can Happen if You use Expired Mouthwash

Mouthwash that has passed its expiration date will do nothing beneficial for your mouth.  Rinsing with such an expired solution will not combat cavities, gum disease or other oral health problems.  You are wasting your time and energy by using outdated mouthwash.

Even if the mouth rinse does not have an expiration date, you should not assume it is still effective.  Mouthwashes that do not have an expiration date are sometimes indicative of a manufacturer that is confident in its product.  However, the lack of an expiration date does not mean the mouthwash will not expire. There is a chance the manufacturer simply did not run tests to determine its useful lifespan.  Go ahead and write down the purchase date on the mouthwash bottle in magic marker. This way, once two or three years pass, you will know the mouthwash has expired and it is time to move on to a new bottle.

There is a chance the mouthwash in question will pose a threat after the expiration date.  If the mouthwash is not alcohol-based, it is likely such a chemical cocktail will have broken down.  The worst case scenario is this mix of chemicals begins to break down the actual plastic bottle. If this old combination of chemicals can break apart plastic, consider what it has the potential to do to your mouth.  So do not take any chances! Opt for a new bottle of mouthwash as soon as your old one expires.

So…

Request a dental check-up here: https://www.implantdentalbellevue.com or call Bellevue Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (425) 249-9186 for an appointment in our Bellevue dental office.