As a parent, you strive to provide everything your child needs for a healthy life. To maintain your child's good oral hygiene, you might wonder whether they should use mouthwash. Here is a guide to issues surrounding this common dental care product. 

What Are the Benefits of Mouthwash?

Mouthwash freshens breath for older children and teens. Washes that contain fluoride help guard against the buildup of plaque bacteria that generates acid. This buildup can cause tooth decay, especially in kids and teens wearing traditional braces with brackets that cannot be removed for brushing and flossing.

What Should You Consider With Small Children?

Generally, you should not allow children under six years old to use mouthwash and fluoride rinses. Kids in that age range are more likely to swallow the liquid. In addition, too much exposure to fluoride when teeth are still developing often leads to spots or streaks on the teeth. This is an unattractive but harmless condition called fluorosis.

Mouth rinses can be incorporated in an oral hygiene care plan for children between six and 12 years old. However, to ensure safety, they should always have an adult supervising closely when using mouthwashes and rinses. 

What Should You Look for in a Mouthwash for Children?

There are alternatives to mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Products are available that freshen breath effectively and offer fluoride protection without alcohol or chemicals. Remind your children that no mouthwash or rinse takes the place of brushing teeth twice a day and flossing daily.

When you want high-quality dental care to maintain your child's good oral hygiene, turn to Pediatric Dentistry of Onalaska, LLC. Located in Onalaska, WI, this dental practice features professionals that offer a warm welcome and effective treatment in a relaxing environment that kids enjoy. This skilled team of children's dentists and staff teach kids how to care for their teeth and gums, so they last a lifetime. Visit them online for more information or call them today at (608) 781-9114.