Kids and Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a very important part of anyone’s at-home oral hygiene routine. Mouthwash kills the germs that cause gingivitis, dental cavities, and plaque buildup. In addition to cleaning the mouth, mouthwash also freshens the breath! Many parents wonder if mouthwash is safe for children, and the answer is yes! But there are a few stipulations. The American Dental Association recommends that you wait until your child is at least 6 years old or able to swish and spit out mouthwash without swallowing any.

There are special mouthwash brands made especially for children. These are alcohol-free and contain sodium fluoride to help prevent dental cavities. These brands include Firefly Kid’s Mouthwash and ACT Kid’s Anti-Cavity Mouthwash.

When added to a dental routine that also includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Little Smiles of Delaware every 6 months for a dental cleaning and a checkup, mouthwash can help your child maintain excellent oral hygiene!

Tips for Teaching Children Proper Mouthwash Habits

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

• Choose a fun flavor of mouthwash like bubblegum or berry. Children tend to like these flavors more than the harsher mint flavor of regular mouthwash.
• Supervise your child to make sure he or she isn’t swallowing the mouthwash.
• Have a contest to see who can swish the mouthwash for a full minute!
• Make sure your child is still brushing and flossing instead of relying solely on mouthwash to keep his or her teeth clean.

For more information on how to help your children achieve and maintain good oral health, please make sure to schedule an appointment for them to receive regular dental cleanings and checkups. Making your appointments is as easy and calling Little Smiles of Delaware. Our children’s dental office is located here in Delaware, Ohio.