Dr. J's Blog
Common Tricky Plaque Spots
If you are looking to find the best dentist in the area for your child, these tips will help you in making a great decision. What questions to ask the pediatric dentist in your area and more.
Can I add mouthwash to my child’s brushing routine?
I have found that “adding” mouthwash to the oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, usually means that the kids brush and floss even faster (or skip them all together) to make time for the mouthwash routine. That’s because using mouthwash to rinse is generally more convenient and faster than good old brushing with toothpaste and flossing. So the child feels they have addressed their oral hygiene requirement. When in fact, it’s a far cry from proper plaque removal by flossing and brushing.
Even though mouthwash for kids does sound appealing, there are important factors to consider before including it to your child’s oral hygiene routine.
Is mouthwash recommended for teenagers?
Teenagers can use mouthwash, as it can be a great asset. As a child gets older they become more self-aware and self-conscious about bad breath. And using mouthwash can be a helpful addition to their oral hygiene routine. It can be recommended as well when children get into braces or other dental or orthodontic appliances. Mouthwash can help fight bacteria and protect the surfaces and areas of the mouth that are tricky to get to with floss or a toothbrush.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding to allow your older child to use mouthwash:
In short, mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years old. A child needs to establish their skills and routines in brushing, flossing, and spitting toothpaste. Those skills are essential, before adding mouthwash to your child’s oral hygiene routine. If you are going to add mouthwash to your child’s brushing routine, ask your pediatric dentist what type of mouthwash to use.
Here’s the ADA recommendation regarding the use of mouthwash for children.
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Dr. J is a board certified pediatric dentist and owner of Scripps Pediatric Dentistry & Brush n Brace, pediatric dental offices located in San Diego, CA. He is not only a Diplomat with the board but now also has Fellow status with the AAPD. He is a proud father of 3 beautiful girls, a San Diego native, loves soccer and is passionate about pediatric oral health. His mission is battling the number 1 disease that he has seen take over our beloved children. #AskDrJ provides answers and solutions to parents questions & concerns regarding their children’s oral health. Click here for a full list of articles from #AskDrJ
If you are looking to find the best dentist in the area for your child, these tips will help you in making a great decision. What questions to ask the pediatric dentist in your area and more.
In this article we will go over the price range of how much braces cost, and the important factors to take into consideration: location, duration & type of orthodontics.
If you are looking to find the best dentist in the area for your child, these tips will help you in making a great decision. What questions to ask the pediatric dentist in your area and more.