Orajel is a popular over-the-counter dental gel used to temporarily relieve toothache and mouth sore pain. It is commonly found in medicine cabinets in homes across America. A question many consumers have is: does Orajel expire and have a shelf life?
Quick Answers
Yes, Orajel does have an expiration date and limited shelf life:
- Unopened Orajel generally expires 2-3 years after the manufacturing date.
- After opening, Orajel lasts about 2 years before expiring.
- Orajel contains active drug ingredients like benzocaine that degrade over time.
- Expired Orajel may not provide effective pain relief and could cause irritation.
- Always check the expiration date on your Orajel and do not use if past date.
Understanding Drug Expiration Dates
All drugs, including over-the-counter medications like Orajel, have expiration dates that indicate the timeframe in which the product is expected to remain stable and effective. Expiration dates are determined through stability testing conducted by the manufacturer.
Drug expiration dates are based on ideal storage conditions. Medications stored properly in their original, sealed packaging at controlled room temperature generally retain their labeled potency and remain safe to use for the time period indicated.
However, drugs can start to chemically degrade over time, especially when subjected to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity. Degraded medications may not provide their expected efficacy. In some cases, broken down compounds in expired drugs can also cause unintended side effects or irritation.
For these reasons, expiration dates should always be heeded to determine if a medication is still deemed usable or should be properly discarded.
Orajel Ingredients and Shelf Life
The active ingredients in Orajel are responsible for its pain relief properties. However, these ingredients also impact its shelf life limitations.
Common active ingredients in Orajel products include:
- Benzocaine – A local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings and blocks pain signals.
- Phenol – Provides a mild anesthetic effect.
- Menthol – Cools and soothes irritation.
- Chlorobutanol – A preservative.
Benzocaine, the primary pain reliever in Orajel, is susceptible to chemical breakdown over time. Potency loss can occur when benzocaine is exposed to moisture, heat and prolonged storage.
With a weaker concentration of active ingredients, expired Orajel may lose effectiveness at numbing mouth and gum pain.
The chlorobutanol preservative can also lose strength, allowing for potential bacterial growth in old product. This poses a safety concern for consumers.
For these reasons, Orajel has a limited shelf life and potency timeline before expiration.
How to Determine Orajel’s Expiration Date
There are a few ways to identify when your Orajel will expire:
1. Check the expiration date printed on the package
Take a look at the crimped end or label of the Orajel box. Most Orajel products now have an easy to locate expiration date stamped directly on the packaging. This will be displayed in a mm/yyyy format.
Always go by the expiration date printed on your specific Orajel package, rather than the typical shelf life range. Manufacturing date variances can impact the actual expiration timeframe.
2. Inspect the opened tube
Once opened, original Orajel tubes typically have an expiration date stamped into the crimped metal at the bottom of the tube. Check here for the use by date.
Also examine the condition of the remaining product. Signs like drying, hardening, crystal formation, or discoloration indicate the Orajel is past its prime.
3. Calculate from purchase date
If you cannot find an expiration date on the packaging, you can estimate based on the 3 year shelf life. Check when the product was purchased and add this time period. However, the stamped expiration date is most accurate.
How Long Does Unopened Orajel Last?
When properly stored, **unopened Orajel has a typical shelf life of 2 to 3 years** from the marked manufacturing or expiration date. Some factors that influence shelf life include:
- Active ingredients used in formula
- Preservative content
- Packaging and tube integrity
- Storage conditions like temperature and humidity
Under ideal conditions, unopened Orajel can maintain expected purity, potency and stability for up to 3 years in the sealed original tube.
The active benzocaine component has been shown to retain about 90% of its labeled concentration for at least 48 months in protected tubes.
However, improper storage in hot temperatures or humid environments can shorten Orajel’s shelf life before opening. Always store in a cool, dry place and do not use if tube is damaged.
Check expiration dates and discontinue use after 3 years since production if an unopened tube. Do not take chances with the potency and safety of medications past labeled timeframes.
Fridge Storage
Refrigerating unopened Orajel is generally not needed or recommended by the manufacturer. The product is formulated for stability at room temperature settings.
Cooler fridge temperatures could potentially cause ingredients like benzocaine to crystallize or separate. This can negatively impact the texture and performance.
Unless specified on the package, store unopened Orajel packages at controlled room temperature of 68-77°F (20-25°C) for best results and highest quality. Avoid freezing.
How Long Does Opened Orajel Last?
Once you break the original tube seal and open your Orajel, its shelf life is reduced. **Opened Orajel typically lasts about 2 years** from the labelled expiration date. However, this depends on usage and storage:
- A tube used infrequently and well sealed may last closer to 2 years.
- A tube used daily by multiple family members may only last 4-6 months.
- Heat and humidity accelerate degradation of active ingredients like benzocaine.
To maximize opened Orajel’s shelf life:
– Seal the tube tightly after each use
– Store away from sunlight and sources of heat
– Do not share among multiple users
– Never use after the labeled expiration date
Watch for changes in product appearance, texture, drying, hardening, or discoloration as signs the opened Orajel may be expiring and losing potency. Discard if questionable.
Can you use Orajel after expiration date?
It is not recommended to use Orajel past its printed expiration date on the packaging. While an expired product likely won’t be immediately dangerous or toxic, its potency, effects, and purity cannot be guaranteed.
Using degraded Orajel could potentially:
- Fail to temporarily numb mouth pain
- Take longer to take effect
- Not last as long as expected
- Cause mouth irritation
- Have an unusual taste or texture
Expired medications should always be properly discarded to avoid using a product where the ingredients have broken down. Do not take a chance with reduced pain relief.
If your Orajel has surpassed its expiration date, the safest option is to purchase a new tube to ensure you receive the expected numbing effects. Discard the old tube out of reach of children and pets.
How to Store Orajel
Follow these storage tips to help maintain your Orajel’s labeled potency and shelf life:
- Store at room temperature – Keep Orajel between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Avoid temperature extremes.
- Avoid humidity – Moisture in bathrooms or humid climates can degrade active ingredients.
- Do not refrigerate – Unless specified on the label, Orajel is not formulated for fridge storage.
- Protect from light – Store in original box or a dark place. Light can accelerate drug degradation.
- Seal tube tightly – Limit air exposure to retain freshness after opening tube.
- Use by expiration date – Discard expired Orajel to ensure potency and safety.
Proper storage extends Orajel’s shelf life for the recommended 2-3 years. Always inspect product prior to use and discontinue use after expiration date has passed.
Signs Orajel May Be Expired
Watch for these common signs that your Orajel may be past its expiration date or degrading in quality:
- Change in color – Product looks darker, faded, or discolored.
- Crystal formation – Granules or crystals visible in gel.
- Hardening – Gel is very thick, dried out, or hard to squeeze.
- Dryness – Product is cracking or peeling in the tube.
- Separation – Ingredients are separating with liquid at bottom.
- Weak odor – Smell is diminished or off.
- Change in texture – Gel is grainy or gritty, not smooth.
Expired Orajel may also take longer to numb mouth pain or have decreased effectiveness. Discontinue use if you observe any degradation signs or quality changes.
What to Do With Expired Orajel
Orajel that has surpassed its use by date or shows signs of expiration should be properly disposed. Follow these guidelines:
- Do not use expired Orajel. Toss tubes in household trash.
- Do not flush down toilet or drain which can impact water supply.
- You can cover label with permanent marker to prevent misuse.
- Tape end of tube before throwing out to prevent leakage.
- Keep out of reach of children who may accidentally ingest.
Check if your local community has medication take-back programs or DEA authorized collectors through which you can dispose of expired Orajel and other drugs. This helps prevent environmental medication contamination.
Expired Orajel still contains active ingredients like benzocaine that can be dangerous in large doses. Always discard properly and safely. Buy a new tube once your Orajel has surpassed its usable shelf life.
FAQs
Does Orajel expire?
Yes, Orajel does expire typically 2 to 3 years after the manufactured date. The active ingredients degrade in potency over time. Expired Orajel may not numb mouth pain effectively.
Can you use Orajel after expiration date?
It is not recommended. Expired Orajel can have reduced effectiveness and cause irritation in mouth. The ingredients have likely degraded. It is best to buy new Orajel rather than use a product past expiration.
How long does unopened Orajel last?
Unopened, sealed Orajel lasts about 2 to 3 years from the printed expiration date when stored properly at room temperature away from humidity and heat.
Does Orajel need to be refrigerated?
No, refrigeration is typically not needed or recommended by the manufacturer for unopened tubes. Orajel is designed to remain stable at controlled room temperature between 68°F to 77°F.
How long is Orajel good for after opening?
Once opened, Orajel has a reduced shelf life of about 2 years from the original expiration date. Tightly seal the tube after each use. Discard sooner if dried, discolored, or showing other signs of degradation.
How can you tell if Orajel is expired?
Check the expiration date on the package or tube. Signs Orajel may be expired include change in color, odor, texture, drying, hardening, crystals in gel, difficulty squeezing from tube, or reduced numbing effect.
The Bottom Line
Like all drugs, Orajel dental gel does have an expiration date and limited usable shelf life. Unopened tubes typically remain good for 2-3 years when stored properly. Once opened, use Orajel within 2 years and watch for degradation signs. Always check and follow the expiration date on your specific Orajel product. Expired Orajel should be safely discarded to avoid using a product where potency is unclear. With proper storage, Orajel can maintain its numbing effectiveness for temporary oral pain relief during its indicated shelf life period.
