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Kid-Friendly Mouthwashes: Which Ones Do Your Kids Actually Like?
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Trying to get my 7-year-old to use mouthwash is basically like herding cats. We’ve tried a couple brands, but she complains about the “spicy” taste or just spits it out immediately. Anyone got a recommendation for something that doesn’t taste gross or burn? Or are they all like that?
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The “spicy” burn usually isn’t something kids just have to put up with. For future readers, check for an alcohol-free rinse with fluoride that’s specifically labeled for children, then follow the age and supervision directions on the bottle. Some 7-year-olds may still swallow it, so mouthwash isn’t automatically appropriate just because it’s marketed as kid-friendly. A mild flavor can help, but the label guidance matters more than the cartoon packaging.
For families trying a mild rinse, buy the smallest bottle available first, or ask a dentist’s office whether samples are available. Kids’ preferences vary a lot even among rinses labeled gentle, and that can avoid spending money on a full-size bottle that gets rejected after one sip.
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