Teaching your children how to brush and floss their teeth correctly is essential to developing good dental hygiene habits, but using mouthwash on top of that can ensure that the majority of plaque is truly gone from their mouths and that their teeth will stay as clean as possible. If you are a parent wondering when is the best time to introduce mouth washing to your child’s teeth cleaning routine, the children’s dentists at Pediatric Dental Group in Hawaii suggest you follow this simple guide:

• The American Dental Association Recommends Mouthwashing No Earlier Than Six Years Old: The common belief is that children that are any younger than this will forget to spit out the mouthwash and swallow it instead. To make sure your child is ready to begin mouth washing, give them a cup of water and then direct them to swish it through their teeth before spitting it out. If they can do this, then they will probably be able to do the same with mouthwash.
• Remember To Get A Brand Of Mouthwash Specifically Made For Kids: Most adult mouthwashes have alcohol in them which can do more damage than good to delicate baby teeth. Also, fluoride is usually added to children’s mouthwashes which can help any new teeth growing in have stronger enamel that is less likely to strip away over time.
• Check To Make Sure The Mouthwash You Are Buying Actually Gets Rid Of Plaque: Though many types of mouthwash are created to kill germs and help your teeth, certain cosmetic ones do nothing more than just freshen your breath. To ensure that you are aiding in your child’s dental hygiene as much as possible, learn to read labels and tell the difference.

When your child needs dental care, make an appointment at Pediatric Dental Group by calling (808) 593-8828 for their Honolulu office or (808) 245-2131 for the Lihue office.