Benefits Of Mouth Rinses
Older children and teenagers may express interest in mouthwash as a breath-freshening agent, and they can reap the benefits of a fluoride rinse as well. Older children who have braces are especially good candidates for fluoride mouth rinses because the rinse can help prevent teeth from acid-producing plaque bacteria which may buildup under the brackets.
Young Children Should Avoid Mouthwash
But in general young children should not use mouthwash because they are less able to avoid swallowing the product. Children between ages six and 12 years should only use a mouth rinse under close adult supervision. And children under the age of six should avoid fluoride rinses-excess fluoride exposure for children whose teeth are not fully developed can result in fluorosis, a harmless but unsightly condition that leaves spots or streaks on the teeth.