Kids have to be shown the importance of good oral health, and parents should be on the hunt for ways to encourage their kids to take better care of their gums and teeth. While flossing and brushing are the best ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, older kids often want to use mouthwash as part of their oral hygiene regimen. Parents should determine the benefits and disadvantages before allowing their children to use mouthwash, and they can do so with the following considerations.
For Older Children
For preteens and teenagers, especially if they have braces, mouthwash is a good way to protect the teeth from acid-creating bacteria that promote gum disease and tooth decay. Wearing orthodontic appliances can make it difficult for a child to completely clean their teeth with floss and a toothbrush, and mouthwash can remove plaque from inaccessible areas. By using mouthwash along with brushing and flossing, children can protect themselves from pediatric dental health issues in Warrenton VA while wearing braces.
Younger Kids
While mouthwash is a good way for older children to protect their mouths, younger kids shouldn’t use it unless they’re supervised by an adult. Children under six should only use mouthwash if it is recommended by their dentist, and parents should consider the child’s ability to spit the mouthwash out when making the decision.
When fluoride-containing mouthwashes are used, they’re most effective when used before bedtime. They shouldn’t be rinsed away afterward, and some dentists prescribe a medicated mouthwash to prevent or treat various pediatric dental in Warrenton Va issues.
Keeping a Child’s Smile Healthy
Parents who are concerned about the alcohol in mouthwash should consider alcohol-free brands that work just as well to kill bacteria and freshen breath; there are even alcohol-free mouthwashes containing fluoride. Regardless of the type of rinse used, parents should tell their children that mouthwash does not take the place of flossing and brushing.
While mouthwash offers significant protection against bacteria and plaque, it can’t replace the benefits of other oral care methods when it comes to keeping gums and teeth healthy. Consult pediatric dental in Warrenton Va for advice on oral care for children of all ages.
