Best Mouthwash For Kids

Mouthwash for kids comes in a close 3^rd when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy – right behind brushing and flossing daily.  Here are 4 health benefits from using mouthwash:

1. Freshens breath. Mouthwash kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.
2. Prevents plaque build-up. Mouthwash can easily reach the places that toothbrushes cannot, like on your gums, between your teeth, and the grooves and craters on the surface of your teeth.  However, while mouthwash can prevent the build-up of plaque, it cannot reduce the plaque that already exists on your teeth.
3. Removes particles. People tend to swig mouthwash after their finish brushing, but you could benefit even more by using mouthwash prior to brushing. It rinses out any loose particles in your mouth and makes brushing and flossing more effective.
4. Stops cavities from forming. Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride to further reduce the chances of getting cavities and to strengthen your enamel.

With that being said, is it safe for your child to use mouthwash? It depends on their age.

According to the American Dental Association, children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash because it is still difficult for them to spit it out.  Swallowing mouthwash poses health hazards to young kids, especially if they are swallowing adult mouthwash with alcohol in it.

At the age of 6, start teaching your child how to use mouthwash but make sure to supervise them heavily in the beginning. Only use mouthwash that is designed for children since they don’t contain alcohol and pose less of a health risk if they’re swallowed.

So which mouthwash for kids should you choose? Here are a few options currently on the market:

• Listerine Smart Rinse
• ACT Anticavity Kids Rinses
• Tom’s of Maine Children’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse

Try out a few different flavors and let your child pick their favorite mouthwash.  Remember, not all mouthwashes contain fluoride.  Make sure to choose one that does when your child is old enough not to swallow it in order to reap the benefits of fluoride.

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