Should children use mouthwash?

Asked by: Ash Class, Bosmere Primary School, Ipswich

Research on children aged 6 to 14 has found a large reduction in tooth decay when using a fluoride-based mouthwash.

However, all the trials gave the mouthwash to children in a supervised setting at school, in between teeth brushings. There’s no evidence that a quick rinse at the same time as you brush your teeth provides any extra benefit.

So a rinse during lunchtime could be beneficial, but children are recommended to check with their dentist before using mouthwash.

Read more:

• What’s in toothpaste?
• Does flossing your teeth really make a difference?

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