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Mouthwash-Is-it-Safe-for-Children

Mouthwash: Is it Safe for Children?

Mouthwash has become an increasingly popular product to use as part of one’s daily dental hygiene routine, however, there is still some hesitation when it comes to using it on children. The truth is that mouthwash can be a great addition to your child’s dental care if done correctly and safely. With proper nutrition, brushing twice a day and flossing regularly, adding mouthwash can be an effective way to help protect your child’s overall health – both in the short-term and long-term.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash for Children

1. Helps Prevent Plaque and Cavities: One of the major benefits of using mouthwash for children is that it can help to reduce plaque and the risk of cavities. Since plaque can be difficult to remove with brushing alone, mouthwash can provide an added layer of protection by killing bacteria and preventing it from forming around the teeth and gums.

2. Freshens Breath: Another advantage of using mouthwash is that it can help to freshen your child’s breath. While brushing and flossing are necessary steps for oral hygiene, mouthwash can provide an additional boost in helping to keep their breath smelling pleasant.

3. Promotes Good Oral Hygiene Habits: Finally, using mouthwash can be a great way to teach children good oral hygiene habits. Introducing them to the habit of using mouthwash can help to instill the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums from a young age.

Potential Risks & Safety Guidelines

1. Ingesting Too Much Mouthwash: While it may seem like an obvious precaution, it’s important to keep in mind that some children may be tempted to swallow mouthwash. Ingesting too much can be dangerous, so it’s important to always supervise your child when they are using it and make sure that they don’t ingest any of the product.

2. Excessive Use: Another potential risk of using mouthwash for children is that they may be tempted to use it too often. Mouthwash should only be used once or twice a day and should never replace brushing and flossing.

3. Alcohol Content: It’s also important to keep in mind the alcohol content of some types of mouthwash. Some products contain a higher percentage of alcohol, so it’s best to avoid these types of products when possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, using mouthwash can be a great way to help protect your child’s overall health and promote good oral hygiene habits. It can help reduce plaque and the risk of cavities, freshen breath and can also be a great way to teach children the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. However, it’s important to keep in mind potential risks such as ingesting too much product, excessive use and high alcohol content when selecting which type is right for your child.

At what age should children start using mouthwash?

It’s recommended that children start using mouthwash at around five years of age. However, be sure to discuss this with their dentist first to make sure that it is the right choice for them.

How often should mouthwash be used?

It is recommended to use mouthwash no more than twice a day.

Is it safe for children to swallow mouthwash?

No, children should never swallow mouthwash. It’s important to always supervise your child when they are using it and make sure that they don’t ingest any of the product.

Are there products with lower alcohol content?

Yes, there are some mouthwashes that contain only the minimum amount of alcohol required for an effective rinse. Be sure to check the label when selecting a product for your child.