fluoride mouthwash; Tooth friend or foe

What you will read in this article: Oral hygiene is one of the key factors in maintaining the overall health of children. Oral health not only affects the child's appearance and smile, but also affects the quality of life and learning ability. Parents try to protect their children's teeth from damage and problems by using different tools. One of the effective tools in this field is fluoride mouthwash, which plays an important role in preventing tooth decay. This article is written with the aim of providing comprehensive and scientific information to parents so that they can make the best decisions to maintain the oral health of their children. Benefits of fluoride mouthwash 1. Strengthening tooth enamel and resistance to decay: Fluoride helps to strengthen the structure of tooth enamel and increases the resistance of teeth against acids produced by bacteria. 2. **reduction of harmful bacteria in the mouth**: Mouthwashes containing fluoride keep the oral environment healthier by reducing harmful bacteria. 3. **Fluoride's mechanism of action at the microscopic level**: By penetrating the tooth enamel, fluoride restores lost minerals and prevents further destruction. 4. **Scientific support**: Studies published in reputable dental journals have confirmed the effectiveness of fluoride in reducing tooth decay by 30%. **Different types of mouthwash: mouthwash without fluoride, mouthwash without antibacterial agents** Mouthwashes that do not contain fluoride or antibacterial agents will freshen your breath but do little to clean your teeth. These types of mouthwashes are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can help remove food residue in the mouth. Common drugstore mouthwashes often contain flavors like mint to freshen the breath, but they don't contain fluoride unless it says so on the package. **Different types of mouthwash: mouthwash containing fluoride** Fluoride mouthwashes do not remove plaque, but by strengthening tooth enamel, they protect it against acids produced by oral bacteria. In other words, fluoride creates a protective shield for teeth and prevents them from decaying. However, fluoride is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. **important points** - **Time of use:** Always use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. - **Suitable for children:** The mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as they may swallow the mouthwash. Harms of improper use of fluoride mouthwash: - **Swallowing fluoride:** Swallowing a large amount of fluoride can cause poisoning. - **Dry mouth:** Some mouthwashes may cause dry mouth. - ** Mouth irritation: ** Some children may be allergic to the ingredients in the mouthwash. How to use fluoride mouthwash for children? - **How to use:** - **Brushing:** First, brush the child's teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride. - **Mouthwash:** Pour a certain amount of mouthwash into the child's mouth and tell him to swirl the mouthwash in his mouth and then spit it out. - **Note:** Ask the child not to swallow the mouthwash. - **Time of use:** It is better to use the mouthwash after brushing and flossing. - **Parental supervision:** When using mouthwash, keep an eye on your child. - **Dentist consultation:** Before using any type of mouthwash for your child, consult a dentist. Is it harmful to eat mouthwash? If you accidentally swallow a small amount of mouthwash, it's usually nothing to worry about. Most of the time, swallowing a small amount of mouthwash will not cause any problems or may cause stomach upset. **If you have swallowed a large amount of mouthwash, be sure to contact your doctor or poison control center.** **How to avoid swallowing mouthwash?** If you or your child accidentally swallows a small amount of fluoride mouthwash (or any other type), there's nothing to worry about, but you can do the following to prevent it from happening again: - **Supervision of children:** Do not allow children to use mouthwash without supervision. It is recommended that children between 6 and 12 years of age be supervised when using mouthwash to prevent swallowing. Make sure they spit out the mouthwash. Many companies use childproof caps to help you. Mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6 years of age, as it may be difficult for them to control their swallowing reflex. - **Concentration:** Do not allow family members to distract you while performing oral and dental care routine; Distraction may cause mouthwash to be swallowed accidentally. - **Check the label:** If you swallow mouthwash, check the label to see if it contains these potentially toxic ingredients: fluoride or ethanol. Severe mouthwash overdose symptoms associated with these substances may include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. In severe cases of swallowing mouthwash, go to the emergency room and, if possible, take the bottle of mouthwash with you. **If you accidentally swallow the mouthwash, keep calm and if necessary, call a doctor or poison control center.** **Note:** This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned. **In short,** mouthwashes can help maintain oral health as a supplement to brushing and flossing. But to choose the right mouthwash, you should pay attention to its type and the ingredients in its composition. Choosing the best mouthwash for children ##### Selection criteria: - **Fluoride concentration**: The amount of fluoride in the product should be suitable for the child's age. - **Taste and smell**: The taste of mouthwash should be attractive to children. - **Dental approval**: Products approved by reputable organizations are safer. ##### Introduction of reputable brands: 1. **Miswick fluoride mouthwash for children** - Contains a controlled amount of fluoride - Mild and pleasant taste for children - No alcohol 1. **Vi-One fluoride mouthwash** - Strengthening tooth enamel - Suitable for children over 6 years old - No allergenic compounds 2. Oral-B children's mouthwash - No alcohol - Contains fluoride to prevent caries The correct way to use fluoride mouthwash 1. **Appropriate amount**: Not recommended for children under 6 years old. For children over 6 years old, one teaspoon is enough. 2. **Washing time**: The child should keep the mouthwash in the mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. 3. **time of use**: the best time to use is at night before going to bed, after brushing your teeth. 4. **Parental supervision**: Parents should supervise how children use it to avoid swallowing the mouthwash. How many times a day should we use mouthwash? **Generally, once or twice a day after brushing and flossing is enough.** Should you wash the child's mouth after using mouthwash? **Yes, it is generally recommended to rinse the child's mouth with water after using the mouthwash.** There are several reasons for this recommendation: - **Accidental swallowing:** Children may accidentally swallow some of the mouthwash. Rinsing the mouth with water after using the mouthwash reduces the risk of swallowing the chemicals in the mouthwash. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause side effects. Click for more information. - **Unpleasant taste:** Many children do not like the taste of mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth with water can help get rid of this unpleasant taste. - **Mouth sensitivity:** Children's mouths are very sensitive and may react to the ingredients in some mouthwashes. Rinsing the mouth with water can prevent irritation of the child's mouth. **The most important thing to remember is that mouthwash is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.** Because children of this age may not be able to properly spit and swallow the mouthwash. **If you decide to use mouthwash for your child, be sure to pay attention to the following points:** - **Type of mouthwash:** Use mouthwashes that are designed for children and contain little or no fluoride. - **Usage amount:** Use the recommended amount on the product label. - **Supervise the child:** When using the mouthwash, watch your child to make sure they swallow the mouthwash. - **Dentist consultation:** Before using any type of mouthwash for your child, consult a dentist. **In short,** it is very important to rinse your child's mouth with water after using mouthwash, especially for small children. This helps to reduce the risk of swallowing chemicals, reduce unpleasant taste and prevent mouth irritation. #### Conclusion Fluoride mouthwash is one of the simple but effective tools for maintaining the health of children's teeth. By choosing the right product, proper education and constant monitoring, parents can reduce the risk of tooth decay in their children. To receive a personalized care plan and further advice, it is recommended to consult with Dr. Elham Tavaklian, a pediatric dentist specialist.

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