Is Mouthwash Safe for Children?

Your children have probably observed and inquired about your usage of mouthwash or an oral rinse if you perform your dental routine in front of them often. It’s possible they were interested and wanted to give it a try. Should you let them? In this article, we hope to provide some general recommendations for using mouthwash as part of your child’s oral hygiene routine. 

Age Considerations

When using mouthwash on children, age is one of the first things to take into account. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises against using mouthwash on children under the age of six. Because children under six may not have completely developed swallowing reflexes and may accidentally swallow mouthwash, babies and toddlers should avoid using mouthwash. Side effects from this include vomiting, drowsiness, and nausea. 

Although it’s always a good idea to check with your Plantation dentist, Tamarac dentist, or Davie dentists first, elementary-aged kids can often use mouthwash as long as they have learned how to swish and spit out all the mouthwash. It’s simple for children to swallow mouthwash while swirling it around in their mouths, even if they are accustomed to spitting out their toothpaste after brushing. Have your youngster practice spitting out the water and rinsing with it before giving him mouthwash. Watch your little one use the mouthwash for the first few times to ensure he doesn’t swallow any of it. 

Teenagers can benefit greatly from mouthwash, however. By regularly using mouthwash, they may boost their confidence as they become more self-aware and self-conscious about having bad breath. More importantly, mouthwash can help combat bacteria and safeguard teeth surfaces that are challenging to reach with a toothbrush or floss for teenagers wearing braces or other dental appliances.

Start With Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

When you do begin administering mouthwash to your kids, be sure to choose the right sort. Due to alcohol’s potent antibacterial properties, which can destroy oral bacteria, many adult types of mouthwash contain alcohol as an active ingredient. Mouthwash with alcohol is entirely safe for adults, but it can be risky for kids. More often than not, your youngster will accidentally swallow some mouthwash, which can be dangerous if the mouthwash contains alcohol. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash instead.

June 25, 2022