Does Teeth Whitening Gel Expire? (2024)

Shelf Life

Many things affect the shelf-life of teeth whitening gels, such as the active ingredient, concentration/strength of the active ingredient, the formulation itself, the container the gel is in, and temperature. Different types of gel have different shelf lives.

If the expiration date is set one year from the production date, it has a shelf-life of one year. If the expiration date is set two years from the date of production, it has a 2-year shelf-life.

At Beaming White, we actually test gel stability/shelf-life for every batch of gel immediately after the gel is manufactured. We do this by placing the gel in an incubator that is set at 45°C (113°F) 24 hours a day, and seeing for how many days, weeks or months it maintains its integrity. If the gel doesn’t last as long as it should, the entire batch is discarded (although this hasn’t happened in many years). We also keep retained samples in refrigeration and at room temperature for 2 years, at which point we check the gel to make sure it’s still in gel form and that the concentration is still high enough.

Here’s what to look for before buying and a couple of things that affect how long a gel lasts before it expires…

Does Teeth Whitening Gel Expire? (2024)

FAQs

Does Teeth Whitening Gel Expire? ›

Over time, hydrogen peroxide changes to water and oxygen. If you try and use a whitening kit after its expiration date, chances are you will only be getting gel and water as the oxygen will have leaked from the package. The oxygen is the key component for whitening your teeth.

Is it okay to use out of date teeth whitening gel? ›

Don'tUse Expired Products

Using expired whitening products means you won't get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won't brighten your teeth.

Does teeth whitening really expire? ›

As the whitening agent in the gel deteriorates over time, its effectiveness diminishes. This means that expired strips may not be as potent in removing stains, resulting in a less noticeable improvement in tooth color.

What is the shelf life of whitening gel? ›

Both gel will remain effective for 1 year (if stored at room temperature) and 2 years (if refrigerated).

How long should teeth whitening gel last? ›

How long should each syringe of whitening last? Each syringe of Boutique Whitening should last around 5 days when whitening the upper and lower teeth. If you use too much gel, it may leak, causing sensitivity owing to irritation of the gums. If you use too little, the teeth may not whiten very well.

What happens if you use expired gel? ›

The Dangers of Outdated Styling Products. Expired styling products like hair gels and mousses can leave residue on your hair, making it feel greasy or sticky. In worst cases, an expired gel can cause scalp inflammation or hair breakage.

What happens if you don't refrigerate teeth whitening gel? ›

The downside of this chemical instability is that all whitening gels start degenerating immediately after manufacture if not kept under constant refrigeration. The higher the temperature, the greater the degradation process.

How long is teeth whitening good for? ›

Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.

What happens if you use expired whitening toothpaste? ›

Is Expired Toothpaste Safe To Use? While expired toothpaste won't hurt you, it also won't help you. After its expiration date has passed, the fluoride within your toothpaste will be less effective in cleaning your teeth and preventing decay and cavities, so it's best to buy a fresh tube.

Does teeth whitening gel work without the light? ›

The good news is that there are safe and effective alternatives, without the use of a light. Truly, the only effective way to whiten teeth with the least risk of sensitivity and shade relapse is through prolonged exposure to pH stable and optimized active whitening agents on the tooth's surface.

Does Crest whitening gel expire? ›

Our Crest Whitening Emulsions have a shelf life of 2 years.

Is it bad to leave teeth whitening gel on too long? ›

In the case that you experience sensitivity, do not increase whitening time. Do not exceed a treatment time of more than 1 hour a day. We recommend you whiten only once per day. Remove the trays from your mouth and brush your teeth to remove any remaining gel.

How should I store teeth whitening gel? ›

Store trays in the tray holder and gel in cool dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. The gel may be refrigerated to prolong the shelf life, but do not freeze. You may expect some slight gum sensitivity from wearing the trays, and your teeth may feel very slightly sensitive.

How long does teeth whitening last in the fridge? ›

Shelf life is 1 year un-refrigerated and 2 years refrigerated. These are general recommendations and may vary between manufacturers. Please read the manufacturer's instructions. Use only in accordance with these instructions.

Can you over whiten your teeth? ›

Over whitening your teeth can cause them to become translucent, making the yellowish colour of your dentin more visible. It can also make your teeth look blue or grey. To avoid this occurrence, talk to your dentist about how often you should whiten your teeth and what concentration of bleaching agent is right for you.

Can I use expired mouth gel? ›

Do not use Orajel Mouth Gel after the expiry date which is stated on the pack. Orajel Mouth Gel contains 10% w/w of benzocaine as the active ingredient.

What happens if you use expired teeth whitening strips? ›

When whitening strips age, the active chemicals may no longer function as well as they should, resulting in less whitening. Expired whitening strips can cause dental sensitivity and gum inflammation. This is because the gel's makeup or potency may have altered over time, making it more acidic or abrasive.

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