Mouthwash can play a vital role in helping keep the mouth fresh, healthy, and bacteria-free – but is it safe for your child?
If your little one is under the age of 6, the American Dental Association recommends that you should hold off on giving him or her mouthwash. At that age, children can have a hard time not accidentally swallowing mouthwash, which is harmful to swallow at any age! For this reason, it’s a good idea to wait until your child is a little bit older before you introduce him or her to mouthwash.
When your child is ready to take on mouthwash, be sure to purchase a product that is specifically designed for children. Normal adult-level mouthwash contains alcohol and is much more harmful to your child if she or he swallows it. Also, children’s mouthwash will often include a fluoride solution that helps build strong teeth. You can even pick out fun flavors of mouthwash that your child will enjoy!
As with introducing any new healthy habit to your little one, your supervision, guidance, and encouragement are super important to the success and safety of your child’s actions!
If you have any questions about how to instill great oral health habits in your child, or if you have questions about your child’s oral health in general, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re here to help!