Is Mouthwash Safe For Children?

Mouthwash can be a very important part of your dental hygiene routine. Not only will it freshen your breath, but mouthwash can also kill the bacteria that cause gingivitis, plaque buildup, and cavities.

While mouthwash is a great option for you, you may have questions regarding its safety for your child. Kids can in fact, use mouthwash, though the American Dental Association has advised that you wait until your child is at least six years old. The concern is that children younger than six will be prone to swallowing the mouthwash instead of swishing and spitting it out.

Mouthwash For Kids

When selecting a mouthwash for your child, make sure to find a type that contains sodium fluoride (to prevent cavities), and is alcohol-free (just in case your child accidentally swallows it). There are a few brands of mouthwash made especially for children, including ACT Kid’s Anti-Cavity mouthwash or Firefly Kid’s mouthwash.

Mouthwash can provide another way for your child to maintain dental health, but shouldn’t be used in place of daily brushing, and flossing.

Below are a few tips to keep in mind when adding mouthwash to your child’s oral hygiene routine:

• Choose a fun flavor, like berry or bubblegum, as many kids will have an aversion to the extreme mint flavor of typical mouthwash.
• Supervise your kids to ensure they aren’t accidentally swallowing the mouthwash.
• Make sure your kids are still flossing and brushing in addition to using mouthwash.

To schedule an appointment at Meadows Family Dental, or for more questions about your child’s dental health, please contact our Castle Rock, CO office.