Dentists say that leaving your toothpaste tube uncapped could be affecting your oral health. So what really happens if you leave your toothpaste cap on?
Many people have the habit of not closing the toothpaste tube after use.
Attract bacteria
According to Dr. Bill Dorfman, dentist at DDS Century City Aesthetic Dentistry (USA), an open toothpaste tube is a "breeding ground for bacteria."
Similarly, Dr. Lauren Becker, a dentist at Lauren Becker Dental (USA), also explained: Leaving toothpaste tubes open, uncovered, or loosely sealed can attract bacteria. This can affect overall health. For example, if you leave toothpaste tubes uncovered in the bathroom, bacteria in the toilet can get in.
What's more, according to Dr. Dorfman, research has found both bacteria and fungi growing in uncapped toothpaste.
Bacterial growth can lead to oral health problems like cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath, says Dorfman. Those problems, including plaque, can lead to more serious health problems like heart disease.
The cream dries up.
Dentists also say that leaving toothpaste tubes uncapped can cause it to dry out, and no one likes that hard, sticky feeling on their teeth.
Dentist Jeffrey Sulitzer, clinical director of SmileDirectClub Dentistry (USA), says: Not covering the cap can cause the toothpaste to dry out and become more difficult to use.
Dentists agree: Toothpaste tubes should be capped.
Less effective
In addition to drying out, opening the lid also reduces the effectiveness of the toothpaste.
Dr. Lior Tamir, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in San Mateo, explains that when the cap is opened, the toothpaste dries out and oxidizes.
This can make the active ingredients in the toothpaste less effective, which can make the toothpaste less effective at removing plaque, restoring and reducing cavities, warns expert Tamir.
This is especially important for toothpastes that contain fluoride, Dr. Dorfman notes.
Fluoride can break down when exposed to air, light or heat, leaving toothpaste unable to protect teeth from cavities and other oral health problems, says Dorfman.
Dentists agree: Keep the cap on the toothpaste tube. Additionally, Tamir recommends keeping an eye on the expiration date—something people often overlook, according to Best Life .
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