Oral rinses and mouthwashes are advantageous in improving dental health. However, there are some people who should not use some of these products.
- Children under the age of 6 should not use a fluoride rinse, due to the danger of them swallowing the rinse instead of spitting it out
- Unsupervised children should have no access to mouthwash products containing alcohol (many of these OTC products have a very high alcohol content)
- Those who are allergic to alcohol or avoiding alcohol for recovery reasons should not use an oral rinse containing alcohol
- Any person with a mouth sore should avoid oral rinses with high alcohol content and with “sodium” in the ingredient list until the wound heals
- Only the person for whom the medication is intended should use a prescription oral rinse
- Anyone who experiences permanent tooth discoloration from a mouthwash or rinse should discontinue use of that item
- Those who are allergic to any of the rinse’s ingredients should obviously avoid that particular product
- All individuals who experience unusual side effects after using an oral rinse should immediately stop use and consult their dentist
- Some therapeutic rinses are only intended for short-term use and should then be discontinued
If you are unsure about what is appropriate for you or your child, talk with us.