Teaching your child proper brushing and flossing routines is an important part of their oral health care routine. When children learn these practices at an early age, they may be less likely to develop cavities and other dental issues. In addition to brushing and flossing, your child can use mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and freshen their breath. Many common types of mouthwash contain alcohol, and these can be too harsh for your child. Below you will find drugstore options and homemade options for alcohol-free mouthwash for children.

Drugstore Options For Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

You can find several different options for alcohol-free mouthwash at most drugstores. Some of them may be labeled specifically for children, and others may be labeled for general use. Make sure to read the entire label to ensure the product is suitable for your child. There are various ingredients used in these alcohol-free mouthwashes. Some common active ingredients include:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride – This antibacterial ingredient can decrease plaque on your child's teeth, and it may help prevent gum disease such as gingivitis.

• Tea tree oil and peppermint oil – These essential oils give alcohol-free mouthwashes their natural minty taste. Additionally, both of these oils contain antibacterial properties to help kill germs in your child's mouth.

• Aloe Vera gel – Aloe Vera gel is another plaque fighting ingredient found in non-alcoholic drugstore mouthwashes. Like the other popular ingredients, aloe vera gel combats plaque and gum disease.

Homemade Options For Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

If you are uncomfortable with letting your children use store bought alcohol-free mouthwash, you still have many options. You can make all-natural mouthwashes at home using different ingredients. There are many recipes online for homemade mouthwash for children. The active ingredients in these recipes include:

• Peppermint leaf and peppermint essential oil – As mentioned above, peppermint is used to give mouthwash a minty fresh taste while also combating bacteria. It is important to dilute peppermint oil in water, as it can cause irritation when it is not diluted.

• Clove essential oil – Clove essential oil has antiseptic properties and antibacterial properties; this makes it ideal for non-alcoholic mouthwash. It also helps reduce the pain associated with cavities. Clove oil must be diluted in a carrier oil; it is known for causing a burning sensation if used improperly.

Additional Information About Mouthwash For Children

Do you still have questions or concerns about your child using mouthwash? Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist to address these concerns. During this appointment, your child's dentist can examine his or her teeth to determine if their brushing, flossing, and rinsing habits are up to par. When you get professional guidance and provide your child with an alcohol-free mouthwash, you can feel confident that their oral health is up to par. For more information, check with a pediatric dentist like those at Kids First Pediatric Dentistry.