Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, Paul. We’re disappointed to hear our Crest Plus Scope Outlast Toothpaste seemed old and felt dry. We’ll share your message with our Safety and Quality Teams. Most of our toothpastes have a shelf life of two years. You can find the expiration date embossed on the end flap of the box or near the crimped end of the seal. We want to learn more so we can best assist you. Our toothpastes undergo rigorous checks, and we strive to ensure that each one is safe to use as directed and reaches you in perfect condition. We're so sorry that wasn't the case with your recent purchase. If the toothpaste is expired, we recommend discontinuing use of the product as your safety is our top priority. We want to learn more about your experience so that we can provide the best assistance. Please call us at (800) 566-7252.