random amusements

Why is there an expiration date on toothpaste?

Seriously.

What's going to happen if you use expired toothpaste? Will it just be ineffective in preventing tooth decay and gingivitis? Or does the fluoride create some kind of chemical reaction with the humidity, and other environmental factors, in your bathroom to form a fluorite compound which will melt your face off?

I suppose if you've had a tube of toothpaste for so long that it has expired, then you've probably got more serious problems than dental hygiene.

Band-aids are another one. What happens when a band-aid expires? The adhesive breaks down and will no longer cling to your skin? I find that hard to believe, because most band-aid adhesives rips my skin off. Then again, I'm allergic to a lot of things. Band-aid adhesive included.

I'm trying to think of some other things which I would not normally consider checking the expiration date before using...