Looking after your child’s oral health is really important. Parents need to put as much time and care into looking after their child’s oral hygiene as they do their health and wellbeing as a whole.
Brushing and flossing are of utmost importance when it comes to taking care of our children’s teeth, but did you know children can use mouthwash too?
In this article, we have looked at some of the best mouthwash for kids in 2024.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Picks
- Should My Kid Use Mouthwash?
- 12 Best Mouthwash For Kids in 2024
- 1. ACT Kid’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Bubblegum Mouthwash
- 2. Colgate Kids Minion Bello Bubble Fruit Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
- 3. Crest Kid’s Anti Cavity Alcohol-Free Fluoride Rinse
- 4. Spry Kid’s Mouthwash
- 5. Listerine Smart Rinse Kid’s Mouthwash
- 6. Elementa Essentials Kid’s Bubble Gum Mouthwash
- 7. Hello Kids Natural Fluoride Free Watermelon Rinse
- 8. Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain Formula Best Kid’s Healthy Teeth & Gum Mouthwash
- 9. TheraBreath for Kids Dentist Formulated Anti-Cavity Oral Rinse
- 10. Tom’s of Maine Children’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Mouthwash
- 11. Solimo Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
- 12. Colgate Kids Anticavity Mouthwash, Trolls, Bubble Fruit
- FAQs
- The Final Thought
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Picks
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | ACT Kids AntiCavity Fluoride Rinse Children's Mouthwash, Bubblegum Blowout, Bubble Gum Blow Out, 16.9 Fl Oz | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Colgate Kids Minions Bello Bubble Fruit Anticavity Fluoride Rinse, 16.9 Ounce | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Crest Kid's Anti Cavity Alcohol Free Fluoride Rinse, Strawberry Rush, 16.9 fl oz. (Pack of 4) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Should My Kid Use Mouthwash?
You are being a conscientious parent by teaching your child the importance of good oral hygiene and keeping their teeth clean and healthy while they are young.
There are lots of benefits to using mouthwash and your child’s teeth and mouth are going to be cleaner than ever before.
However, if your child is still young, don’t go rushing to buy mouthwash just yet. The American Dental Association (ADA), recommends children under six should not use mouthwash – this includes mouthwash designed for children.
You should not be giving babies, toddlers, or any child under 6 mouthwash because they will not have fully developed their swallowing reflexes.
If a child does not have fully developed swallowing reflexes, they could swallow the mouthwash and suffer side effects like vomiting, intoxication, and nausea.
It is safest to wait until your child is 6 to give them mouthwash as large amounts of fluoride can lead to enamel discoloration, also known as fluorosis.
If your child ingests mouthwash containing fluoride, fluorosis could manifest as white streaks on the teeth. However, if your child is six years of age or over, mouthwash is a really beneficial addition to their oral care routine.
Before we take a look at the best mouthwash for children, here are a few reasons children should use mouthwash:
A deeper clean
It is not always easy to reach all areas of the mouth when brushing your teeth, especially for children. Using mouthwash can help children to deeply clean the whole of their mouth, teeth, and gums quickly and easily.
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Fresher breath
Mouthwash will give your child fresher smelling breath. When used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, mouthwash can remove breath odor and make your child’s breath smell lovely and fresh.
Added cavity protection
A mouthwash containing fluoride will offer your child’s teeth an extra dose of cavity protection.
12 Best Mouthwash For Kids in 2024
If you want to introduce mouthwash into your child’s daily oral care routine, we have rounded up the 12 best types of mouthwash for kids. With so many mouthwashes marketed for children, we have narrowed down some of our favorites here.
Before we share our list with you, it is important to remember that mouthwash should never replace regular brushing and flossing. If you want your child to use mouthwash, make sure they continue to brush and floss their teeth correctly and twice daily.
1. ACT Kid’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Bubblegum Mouthwash
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ACT kid’s anticavity fluoride rinse is an effective mouthwash for children, the formula helps to prevent cavities and also freshens breath.
This anticavity rinse contains 0.05% fluoride and has been proven to reduce children’s cavities by up to 40% more than just brushing alone.
Children only need to use ACT once a day, rinsing a 10ml dose around their mouth for just 60 seconds. The dosage meter puts children in control and ensures they are using the correct amount of mouthwash every time.
Fluoride can be dangerous when consumed in excess, it is important children have adult supervision while using this mouthwash to ensure they do not swallow it.
ACT fluoride rinse comes in several kid-friendly flavors, including bubblegum, groovy grape, and pineapple punch.
The flavors make ACT mouthwash more appealing to children and will also help to freshen their breath after use. ACT is alcohol-free and will not sting during rinsing like adult mouthwash tends to do.
2. Colgate Kids Minion Bello Bubble Fruit Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
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Colgate kids minion anticavity fluoride rinse strengthens tooth enamel and also offers protection from a cavity. The bubble fruit flavor and fun minion packaging make it the perfect choice of mouthwash for young children.
The Colgate fluoride rinse for kids is alcohol-free but is still able to offer a full mouth deep clean by swishing away food particles missed during brushing. The mouthwash only contains 0.02% fluoride but this is still enough to keep your child’s mouth clean and protect them from cavities.
Colgate children’s mouthwash should be used twice a day after brushing. Children should use a 10ml dose of the fluoride rinse and young children should be supervised to keep them from swallowing.
3. Crest Kid’s Anti Cavity Alcohol-Free Fluoride Rinse
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Crest kid’s anticavity fluoride rinse is designed for children age 6 and over. Mouthwash reaches the areas of the mouth that are easily missed during brushing and removes food particles and bacteria. Crest mouthwash for children is alcohol-free
It contains 0.02% fluoride and is alcohol-free. The mouthwash has a strawberry rush flavor and is safe to be used by children while also offering anticavity protection and fresh breath.
Children should use 10ml of this fluoride rinse twice daily after brushing. Crest kid’s anticavity fluoride rinse is free from alcohol but should still not be swallowed as fluoride conception can cause stomach ache and nausea.
4. Spry Kid’s Mouthwash
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Spry kid’s mouthwash has been specifically designed with children in mind. The bubblegum flavor makes it appealing to children and does not sting during rinsing like adult mouthwash can do.
Spry kid’s mouthwash is alcohol-free and has been formulated to be safe if accidentally swallowed. Mouthwash is not a beverage but if your child is still learning the art of rinsing and spitting out, you do not need to worry if they swallow some by mistake.
Instead of corn syrup, sugar, or artificial sweetener, Spry kid’s mouthwash is made with 100% xylitol. Xylitol sweetener is derived from the fibrous parts of plants, similar in taste to regular organic sugar.
Also, Xylitol is a natural ingredient that inhibits bacteria’s ability to stick to your teeth and can help to keep your child’s mouth clean and healthy. This mouthwash also has added calcium which supports and strengthens tooth enamel.
5. Listerine Smart Rinse Kid’s Mouthwash
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Listerine is a very popular and well-respected mouthwash brand amongst dentists and the public. Listerine Smart Rinse Kid’s Mouthwash is accepted by the ADA (American Dental Association) to help prevent cavities.
Smart Rinse is an alcohol-free sodium fluoride mouthwash and comes in pink lemonade flavor.
A lab study of this Listerine children’s mouthwash found that Smart Rinse kids mouthwash offered two times stronger teeth for better dental cavity protection with brushing versus brushing alone when used twice daily.
The active ingredient in this kid’s mouthwash is 0.02% sodium fluoride.
The Smart Rise formula helps to protect your child’s teeth from cavities, removes food particles, and will freshen their breath too.
Children are not always effectively able to brush all of their teeth, Smart Rinse can reach all areas of your child’s mouth and give them a deep clean after brushing.
6. Elementa Essentials Kid’s Bubble Gum Mouthwash
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Elementa Essentials kid’s bubble gum mouthwash is an all-natural children’s mouth rinse.
The Elementa children’s mouthwash is made with 5 simple ingredients: Plant-based Nanosilver, Calcium, Xylitol, Water, and natural flavoring. The Xylitol is sourced from corn and offers a natural sweetness whilst being friendly to the planet.
This mouthwash is dentist recommended. The simple formula neutralizes oral acid whilst freshening breath and keeping your child’s mouth clean and healthy.
The children’s mouth rinse from Elementa comes in a bubble gum flavor making it more appealing than the mouth rinse intended for adults.
The ingredients for this mouth rinse are all-natural and would not be harmful if swallowed. However, it is always recommended parents supervise their child while using mouthwash to try and prevent any swallowing.
7. Hello Kids Natural Fluoride Free Watermelon Rinse
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Hello Kids natural children’s mouth rinse is fluoride and alcohol-free. This mouth rinse has a natural watermelon flavor and is also free from artificial sweeteners and flavorings.
The Hello Kids children’s mouthwash is formulated with soothing aloe vera, xylitol, and organic watermelon flavor.
If your child accidentally swallows any of this mouthwash they will be fine, there are no harmful chemicals in the ingredients that could cause stomach upset or unpleasant symptoms.
Hello Kids is a natural and safe mouth wash for your child and its all-natural formula is still able to effectively clean your child’s mouth, remove food particles and freshen their breath.
Hello Kids natural fluoride-free watermelon mouth rinse is suitable for vegans and has never been tested on animals. This mouthwash has been recognized by PETA and is Leaping Bunnies certified, due to the fact the company does not use animal testing.
8. Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain Formula Best Kid’s Healthy Teeth & Gum Mouthwash
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Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain Formulas kids mouthwash is non-GMO verified and is made from the highest quality undiluted aloe vera.
Aloe vera has been shown in laboratory tests to stimulate skin growth and people using this mouthwash have reported the reversal of gum recession.
The Kid’s Healthy Teeth and Gums mouthwash can reduce and, in some cases, eliminate gum inflammation, pain, and sensitivity.
This mouthwash is suitable for children and can help to give a thorough clean after brushing as it can reduce dental plaque and reduce the risk of infection.
The Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain Formulas mouthwash is alcohol-free and contains no artificial ingredients. This mouthwash has been specifically designed for children and has a gentle sweet peppermint taste.
This mouthwash for children is made with certified organic and non-GMO ingredients and made with the most helpful components for dental health. As well as keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy, this mouthwash will also give them lovely fresh breath.
9. TheraBreath for Kids Dentist Formulated Anti-Cavity Oral Rinse
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TheraBreath started in 1994 and was founded by dentist Dr. Harold Katz. The TheraBreath mouthwash for kids is formulated by dentists to help prevent cavities and reduce the risk of gum disease.
This premium oral care mouthwash can also help to reduce halitosis and provide you with the all-over oral hygiene your children need for strong and healthy teeth and gums.
The Gorilla Grape flavor is child-friendly and will not cause a stinging sensation like minty mouthwash or those that contain alcohol. The flavoring of TheraBreath for kids is made with organic grapes and does not contain any added sugars, artificial flavors, or dyes.
TheraBreath for kids is certified gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and certified kosher friendly.
The mouthwash formula contains healthy doses of fluoride and Xylitol, which helps produce strong, healthy teeth and reduce the formation of cavities. For best results, children should use this alcohol-free mouthwash daily.
10. Tom’s of Maine Children’s Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Mouthwash
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Tom’s of Maine is an environmentally conscious company that strives to provide natural and ethically produced oral care products to its customers. Their Children’s anticavity children’s fluoride rinse mouthwash is free from the following ingredients:
- Dye
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Animal By-Products
- Microbead
- Triethanolamine (TEA)
- Animal Fat
- Paraben
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Formaldehyde
- Propylparaben
- Formaldehyde Donor
- Butylparaben
- Mineral Oil-Free
- Triclosan Free
- Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
- Phthalate
- Artificial Flavor
- Gluten-Free
- Artificial Sweetener
- Alcohol
Despite not containing any of the above, Tom’s of Maine children’s mouthwash is still able to thoroughly clean your child’s mouth, provide protection from cavities and freshen their breath with the silly strawberry flavor.
The active ingredient in this mouthwash is 0.04% sodium fluoride. The Tom’s of Maine children’s mouthwash also contains Xylitol, an ingredient that provides natural sweetness.
11. Solimo Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse
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Solimo Kids anticavity fluoride rinse helps to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth.
This children’s mouthwash is bubble gum flavor which will be appealing to children and encourage them to make using mouthwash a part of their daily routine. Solimo kid’s fluoride rinse should be used every morning and night for maximum results.
Solimo kids is an Amazon brand and this children’s mouthwash is similar to ACT Kids Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash. The active ingredient used in this mouthwash is 0.05% sodium fluoride, the formula also contains zero alcohol.
The Solimo Kids Anticavity Fluoride Rinse can clean areas of your child’s mouth that cannot be reached through brushing alone. This mouthwash should not be swallowed and parental supervision is advised if the rinse is being used by young children.
12. Colgate Kids Anticavity Mouthwash, Trolls, Bubble Fruit
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The Colgate Kids Anticavity Mouthwash is the same as the minion mouthwash listed above, except it has a funky Trolls bottle. This is the perfect mouthwash to get your child interested in trying mouthwash for the first time, the bottle is fun and the bubble fruit flavor is tasty.
This children’s mouthwash is formulated to strengthen tooth enamel and help protect against cavities. The bubble fruit flavor is gentle in your child’s mouth, it won’t burn and it will help to fight off bad breath.
Adult supervision is needed as although the mouthwash is alcohol-free, it does contain 0.02% sodium chloride.
Little children sometimes rush brushing their teeth and this can cause plaque to build up and cavities to form. The Colgate anticavity toothpaste is a great way to ensure every corner of your child’s mouth is fresh and clean after brushing.
FAQs
What’s the difference between kid’s mouthwash and adult mouthwash?
Unlike mouthwash intended for adults, children’s mouthwash is alcohol-free. Whilst you can buy alcohol-free adult mouthwash, all children’s mouthwash contains no alcohol.
You can buy fluoride-free or low fluoride mouthwash for both adults and children. Children’s mouthwash comes in lots of different flavors, whereas adult mouthwash often includes menthol and has that classic minty taste.
Can My Toddler Use Mouthwash?
No, children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash. Babies and toddlers should not use mouthwash as it can be dangerous if they accidentally swallow some or drink a large amount.
You will need to wait until your child’s swallowing reflexes have developed, this will have happened by the time they are six years old. Until then, continue to thoroughly brush your child’s teeth twice a day using age-appropriate toothpaste.
Is kids’ mouthwash effective?
Yes, kids’ mouthwash can keep your child’s mouth clean, their breath fresh, and keep their teeth and gums healthy.
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Using mouthwash alone will not be enough to maintain good oral hygiene, however, when mouthwash is used alongside brushing and flossing it is extremely effective.
For the best protection, it is recommended to use a mouthwash containing fluoride. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay and can even help to reverse the early signs that can lead to cavities and decay.
Is it safe for kids to use mouthwash?
Yes. mouthwash is safe for children. However, you should not give mouthwash to your child if they are not yet six years old.
You will also need to use a mouthwash specifically designed for children to ensure it is alcohol-free and has safe levels of fluoride. It is important to explain to your child that mouthwash is not a beverage and they should not drink it.
Stay with your child while they are using mouthwash to ensure they don’t swallow any of it. If your child does swallow mouthwash they may suffer from a stomach ache, nausea, and even vomiting.
However, when used correctly by children aged 6 and over, mouthwash is safe for children.
The Final Thought
There you have it, our list of the 12 best types of mouthwash for children in 2024.
There is plenty of mouthwash suitable for children available to buy and the majority offer excellent protection from cavities as well as helping your child to maintain healthy gums and fresh breath.
Children under six should not use mouthwash, even if that mouthwash is designed for children. However, if your child is over six there is no reason why you shouldn’t begin to introduce mouthwash to their daily oral care routine.
The key to good oral hygiene is brushing twice a day, flossing and now you know your child can safely use mouthwash too.
Also, be sure to keep your child up to date with all of their dental appointments and to visit your dentist in between checkups if you have any concerns.
