- Totally get the dentist guilt trips—been there.
- We miss a night now and then too, especially after late nights.
- I figure as long as brushing is happening most days, it’s not a disaster.
- My kid also hates the “burn” even with the mild flavors, so you’re not alone.
- Skipping sometimes doesn’t seem like a big deal... consistency over perfection, right?
We’ve definitely had nights where the rinse just doesn’t happen, especially after a meltdown or a late soccer game. My daughter says even the “gentle” ones sting and then she refuses for days. I used to stress about it, but honestly, brushing twice most days feels like a win. The dentist always pushes the rinse but I’m not convinced missing here and there is a big deal, especially if it’s causing battles. Consistency’s great, but sometimes you just have to pick your battles...
I totally get not wanting to force it, especially after a rough day. That said, fluoride rinses can really help if your kid’s prone to cavities, even if it’s just a few times a week. If she says they sting, maybe try a kids’ version with lower fluoride or alcohol-free—it can make a big difference. Missing sometimes isn’t the end of the world, but if she’s had cavities before, it might be worth experimenting until you find one she’ll tolerate.
I get wanting to prevent cavities, but honestly, those rinses add up if you’re on a tight budget. We tried them for a while, but between toothpaste, dentist visits, and everything else, it just felt like overkill. My kid’s dentist said brushing well with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is the main thing. Rinses are more of a bonus than a must-have, unless there’s a specific issue. I’d rather spend the extra on better toothbrushes or healthier snacks.
That’s pretty much what our dentist said too—good brushing habits are the real game changer. We used to buy the rinse, but honestly, my son hated the taste and it felt like one more thing to nag about. I’d rather focus on him brushing well than stress over rinses.
