If you’ve spotted our “Rinse With Mouthwash” billboard around Saskatoon, you’ve already received your oral health reminder for the day.
But when it comes to kids, parents often have a few questions: Does my child actually need mouthwash? What type should they use? And at what age should they start?
At The Little Tooth, we love helping families make dental care simple. Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to a child’s oral hygiene routine, but it’s important to use it properly — and it definitely doesn’t replace brushing and flossing.
What Does Mouthwash Actually Do?
Depending on the type of rinse being used, mouthwash can help reach areas of the mouth that may be difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone.
Some mouth rinses are designed to help:
- Strengthen tooth enamel with fluoride
- Reduce the risk of cavities
- Freshen breath
- Wash away loose food particles
- Support an overall healthy oral hygiene routine
But mouthwash should be considered an extra step, not the main event.
The two most important habits for a healthy smile for your child are brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth.
When Can Kids Start Using Mouthwash?
This depends less on a specific birthday and more on whether your child can reliably rinse and spit without swallowing the mouthwash.
Young children often have difficulty doing this, so mouthwash generally isn’t appropriate until they can confidently spit it out every time.
If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, ask their dentist before adding mouthwash to their routine.
Parents should also supervise children while they rinse and always follow the directions on the product.
Does Mouthwash Help Prevent Cavities?
Some children may benefit from extra cavity protection with a fluoride mouth rinse.
Fluoride makes the outermost enamel layer of teeth more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay.
However, every child’s dental needs are different. A child with a greater risk of cavities could require a different approach to oral hygiene than a child with few cavities.
That’s one of the reasons regular dental checkups are so important.
Mouthwash Doesn’t Replace Brushing
This is a repeat of this one.
Rinsing before bed is no substitute for brushing.
Children should still brush their teeth twice each day using the appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste. Parents may also need to help younger children brush to make sure all surfaces of the teeth are being cleaned properly.
Mouthwash is just another tool that can be used in conjunction with those habits.
Imagine it as the “icing on the cake” but not the “cake.”
Make Dental Care Part of the Routine
The most important thing parents can do is help make oral hygiene a part of the day’s routine.
Brush your teeth in the morning. Brush before bed. Clean between the teeth. And, when appropriate, add a mouth rinse.
Establishing these habits early on can make dental care seem like a habit as children grow up.
And if they happen to see a giant billboard reminding them along the way?
Even better.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist in Saskatoon?
At The Little Tooth, our focus is making dental visits comfortable, positive and educational for children and their families.
Whether your child is coming in for a routine checkup, you’re concerned about cavities, or you simply have questions about brushing, flossing or mouthwash, our team is happy to help you determine what works best for your child.
So the next time you see our billboard around Saskatoon, consider it your friendly reminder:
Rinse With Mouthwash. Just make sure the kids spit it out.