Pros vs Cons of Children Using or Not Using Mouthwash

Every parent wants to ensure that their child is as healthy as possible, but some dental hygiene tips do not work well for children. Mouthwash can be very beneficial, but it is not always advisable for children. There are a few things that you should consider when deciding whether or not to give your child mouthwash.

The Advantages of Mouthwash
Its powerful cleaning abilities are the primary reason that mouthwash is recommended for some children. It can get into all of the smaller crevices between teeth that cannot easily be reached with a toothbrush. This makes mouthwash for kids particularly useful because many children tend to carelessly miss spots while trying to hurry through brushing. If your child has braces, mouthwash is very important because it is the only way to clean under archwires.

Problems With Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a great tool, but it is important to exercise caution. According to one of the top Salisbury family dentists, children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash. Many types of mouthwash contain fluoride, a useful mineral that strengthens teeth. However, many children are already exposed to fluoride through supplemented drinking water and toothpaste, and when developing teeth come into contact with excess fluoride, they can develop unsightly brown spots. Therefore, you should not let younger children use a mouthwash with fluoride. In addition to issues with fluoride, there is some concern that swishing and spitting mouthwash can be difficult for younger children.

Helping Your Child to Use Mouthwash
Most dentists recommend that families wait until children are about seven or eight before using mouthwash. If you think your child is ready to start using mouthwash, try to follow these dental hygiene tips for the best results:

• Pick a mouthwash for kids to avoid getting one with excess fluoride.
• At first, supervise your child so they do not swallow it.
• Help them use a stopwatch to time how long they are swishing the mouthwash.

There are many unique advantages and disadvantages to using mouthwash at an early age. If you are not sure whether or not your child should be using mouthwash, you can talk to their dentist at their next checkup. Call our Salisbury pediatric dentist office today to set up an appointment.