Is Mouthwash Safe for Kids?

Mouthwash is great at killing the germs that cause dental cavities, plaque, and gum disease. It also freshens the mouth and improves breath. Many parents wonder if mouthwash is ok for kids, and it is; as long as your child is over the age of 6. The American Dental Association recommends this age because children over 6 are usually able to better swish and spit the mouthwash out.

If your child is over the age of six and you’d like to get him or her started on using mouthwash, make sure you find one that is alcohol-free and contains sodium fluoride to prevent dental cavities. There are a few brands of mouthwash that cater to children and these would be the ones we recommend using.

Please don’t let mouthwash take the place of brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams. But when combined with these things, mouthwash can provide an extra way of making sure your child maintains good dental health.

Below are a few ways to add mouthwash to your child’s dental hygiene routine:

• Make a game of who can swish for a full minute
• Choose a fun flavor like bubblegum or strawberry
• Make sure your child knows not to swallow the mouthwash
• Your child should still be brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily

The start of the new year is a great time to bring your child in for a dental cleaning and a checkup! To schedule an appointment, please contact Piedmont Pediatric Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina.