Your morning hygiene routine is supposed to be the simplest part of your day. You reach for the bottle, rinse, and go. But a massive new recall of over 80,000 bottles of Parodontax Active Gum Health mouthwash has turned a basic habit into a potential risk. The FDA has issued a Class III recall because of a significant labeling error—missing or illegible lot codes and expiration dates. While the risk of immediate harm is low, the system failure that allowed these bottles to hit shelves is a red flag for any consumer who values product safety and transparency. Here is the investigative truth about the Mouthwash Alert and what you need to check in your bathroom cabinet tonight.
The Parodontax Production Failure
The recall affects 84,764 bottles of Parodontax Active Gum Health (Mint flavor) sold nationwide. The core of the problem is that the manufacturing plant produced tens of thousands of units without the critical tracking information required by federal law. Without a lot code, the company cannot guarantee the quality or the age of the liquid inside your bottle.
Honestly, a lot code is your only protection if a contamination event occurs. If they can’t track which batch your bottle came from, they can’t tell you if it is safe. This labeling error is a breakdown in basic quality control that should never have reached the consumer.
Why Expiration Dates Matter for Your Gums
The active ingredient in this mouthwash is cetylpyridinium chloride, which is designed to fight plaque and gingivitis. However, like all chemical compounds, it degrades over time. When a bottle is missing an expiration date, you could be using a product that has lost its potency, leaving your gums unprotected while you think you’re doing the right thing.
Surprisingly, using expired mouthwash can also lead to an imbalance in mouth bacteria if the preservatives have broken down. While the FDA currently classifies this as a low-risk event, using a product of unknown age is never a smart move for your health. Check the neck of the bottle and the back label for any signs of smudging or missing text.
The Logistics of the Recall
This Mouthwash Alert isn’t just a minor glitch; it spans 16.9 fl oz bottles with NDC 0135-0651-02. If you find a bottle in your home that lacks a clear lot number (specifically Lot 0665363 or similar), you are holding a recalled item. The manufacturer, Haleon (formerly part of GSK), is under pressure to rectify the tracking failure.
On the other hand, do not panic if you have already used the product. A Class III recall means adverse health consequences are unlikely. However, as a savvy consumer, you should demand a product that meets federal standards. Contact the company for a refund or a replacement bottle that actually has the required safety information.
Clean Up Your Cabinet
Trust in consumer goods is earned, not given. When a company fails to provide even the most basic tracking information on a medicinal product, it is your job to hold them accountable. Use this Mouthwash Alert as a reminder to do a quick audit of all your over-the-counter health products. If the dates are missing or the labels are illegible, it isn’t worth the risk. Your health is too important to leave to a labeling error.
Did you find one of the affected bottles in your bathroom? Tell us what the label looked like in the comments below.
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