You already know that your children should be brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing the dentist regularly. These preventive habits can help your little ones maintain healthy teeth and gums through childhood and beyond. But what about other preventive care options, like using mouthwash? Here’s everything you need to know about mouthwash for children. 

What Are the Benefits of Mouthwash?

Mouthwash can add to a child’s oral hygiene routine by helping to clean the teeth and prevent bacteria. In particular, it can make it easier for children with braces to eradicate plaque that could otherwise develop under the brackets. 

It also freshens the breath and is preferred over gum, which may contain sugars. When mouthwash contains fluoride, it can also help prevent cavities. 

What Should You Consider With Small Children?

While the benefits of mouthwash are clear and compelling, it’s best for older children. The product shouldn’t be consumed, as it contains ingredients such as alcohol and ethanol, which can lead to a variety of health symptoms. Since it could accidentally be swallowed by young children, many dentists recommend waiting to start using it until the child turns six. 

Parents should supervise their child’s first few uses. Additionally, mouthwash shouldn’t be used in place of other oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, since it doesn’t clean teeth effectively on its own. 

What Should You Look For in a Mouthwash? 

The best mouthwash for children will be a variety that doesn’t contain alcohol. This way, if the product is mistakenly swallowed, parents won’t have to worry about adverse health effects of alcohol. 

Of course, it’s still important to remind children to spit the solution out promptly after rinsing. Another quality to look for is fluoride. Dentists recommend this ingredient to help strengthen the teeth and prevent cavity development.

For top-notch dental care for the whole family, turn to the office of C.R. Sfeir D.D.S., General Dentistry. Serving Lorain, OH, this dentist and his team have been trusted throughout the community for more than two decades. See the practice’s full list of services online or call (440) 960-5200 to schedule an appointment.