We’ve all seen the advertisements, and many believe mouthwash can be a great addition to any dental hygiene routine. For some mouthwash can provide benefits such as freshening your breath or improving your oral health by reducing plaque buildup. As pediatric dentists, parents often ask our opinion on the best oral health products for their children. We are always happy to make recommendations based on your child’s unique needs. However, there are a few things you should know first before introducing mouthwash to your kids.
Does my child need mouthwash?
There is no straightforward answer to this question as it depends on the age of the child and several other factors. Most likely, the answer is “no.” Your child does not need mouthwash, and it can actually disrupt the natural microbiome of your child’s mouth.
If your child is younger than 6, the American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends against using mouthwash. This is because most children’s mouthwashes contain fluoride, and while it is good for preventing tooth decay, too much fluoride too early can damage your child’s teeth. Another reason to avoid using mouthwash for children under the age of 6 is because younger children are more likely to swallow the rinse instead of spitting it out. The active ingredients in mouthwash are not meant to be swallowed and can prove harmful if ingested. It is typically safe for children over the age of six to use mouthwash. However, with good brushing and flossing habits, there is not much need for it unless otherwise recommended by your dentist.
Mouthwashes are made to boost the effects of daily brushing and flossing and are not meant to replace basic oral hygiene. They also claim to treat certain aspects of your oral health. Some rinses claim to help whiten teeth or remove surface stains, some focus on fighting decay, while others strive for total care. However, as stated above, these conditions can often be tackled with good oral health practices. We are cautious about recommending mouthwash to children as they may use it as a substitute for brushing or flossing and can harm their dental health inadvertently.
Other Considerations
It is important to note that mouthwashes are not a must-have for anyone, and it is important to consult with us before purchasing a mouthwash. We will be able to offer the right recommendations for your child’s oral health care. Even if mouthwash is only used to freshen breath, it is important to be cautious. If you are experiencing persistent bad breath unrelated to food, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition and should be examined further.
We are hesitant to recommend anti-bacterial mouthwash to our patients as these mouthwashes destroy all bacteria indiscriminately, the good and the bad. As stated above, this can damage the microbiome within your mouth and its ability to fight against cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Can I make a safer oral rinse at home?
Homemade rinses can clean your mouth while maintaining a healthy pH balance among other benefits. Common recipes for DIY oral rinses include:
- 4 sage leaves, 1 tsp of baking soda, and 1 tsp of salt mixed in 1 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar mixed in 1 cup of water
- 3 drops of *peppermint oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, and 1 tbsp of baking soda mixed in 1 cup of water
*If peppermint isn’t your flavor of choice, other essential oils like citrus or clove can help.
Many patients also consider adding oil pulling into their dental routine. This can be a natural method of detoxifying the mouth. We recommend coconut oil as it contains anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties that eliminate the bad while preserving the good.
For more information on mouthwashes or to schedule a consultation, contact NoPoKids today.
