You make sure your children brush for two minutes and commit to the chore of flossing every morning and night. You bring them to the dentist regularly and help them keep their smiles as bright as their futures.
In short, you’re doing a great job of setting up for children for a future of healthy teeth!
However, we understand that even the best parents may still sometimes have dental questions. And if you’re eyeing mouthwash for your kids and wondering, “What is alcohol-free mouthwash? And is it effective?” then don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered!
Here’s a little information for you to chew on:
A Matter of Mouthwash Mixtures
Let’s cut to the chase: Do mouthwashes need alcohol to be effective?
“No,” Crest explains. “In alcohol-containing mouthwashes, alcohol is not the active ingredient; it is simply required to stabilize the formula.”
What’s more, traditional alcohol-based mouthwashes are actually more likely to cause or exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth, as alcohol obstructs the mouth’s production of saliva. Thus, alcohol-free mouthwash may provide some individuals with more long-term oral comfort.
But that’s not where it stops. Again, alcohol only acts as a stabilizing agent, meaning it is not necessary to ensure patients achieve quality results. In fact, according to Colgate, alcohol-free mouthwashes are still effective in terms of preventing:
- Tooth decay
- Plaque buildup
- Tartar buildup
- Periodontal disease
- Halitosis
- And more
A Question of Preference or Necessity
Whether or not you purchase alcohol-free mouthwash is ultimately up to the individual and their preferences. Thus, it may change from one family to another.
For example, the American Dental Association (ADA) has affirmed that they do not recommend any mouthwash for children under the age of six, as they are more apt to unintentionally swallow the liquid. This is especially hazardous when an alcohol-based mouthwash is involved so, if you have children who are only just beginning to incorporate such a treatment into their dental routine, you may want to opt to buy an alcohol-free product for the time being.
Others who may benefit from alcohol-free options may include:
- Patients who are sensitive to pain. As the alcohol induces a stronger burning sensation in the mouth, patients who are particularly prone to oral irritation or have a low pain tolerance may prefer alcohol-free products.
- Patients who have composites. According to research published by the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, alcohol-free mouthwashes are more effective in terms of maintaining the strength and clear color of composites in comparison to that of alcohol-based mouthwashes.
When You Continue to Have Questions
To top it all off, bear in mind that there are also several types of alcohol-free mouthwashes, all varying in what they target, how effective they are, and how they’re formulated.
Thus, if you’re not sure what may be best for your child’s mouth, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Setzer, Cochran, and Soares Pediatric Dentistry!
In our office, you can rest assured our team is wholly committed to finding the options that are both the best in terms of quality and comfort for your child. So if you’re ready to learn more, don’t forget to schedule your appointment today by calling (904) 733-7254 (Jacksonville Beach) or (904) 473-0600 (Ponte Vedra)!