How to Wash Out a Child's Mouth

Maintaining good oral health is an essential part of an overall healthy body. Oral health should be maintained as early in life as possible (6 to 17 years old is the age range where the chance of cavities is highest) in order to prevent future health complications. Poor dental hygiene may cause dental plaque, gingivitis, periodontal disease and halitosis, and can even lead to eventual heart disease. Proper oral hygiene includes flossing and mouthwash on top of brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply child-safe toothpaste to a small soft-bristle toothbrush. Brush the upper/outer, upper/inner, lower/outer, lower/inner and any biting surfaces of your child's teeth. Make sure to have your child spit out the toothpaste, but do not rinse with water.

• 2

  Instruct your child to open his mouth. Younger children should lay down and rest their head on your lap, while older children may stand in front of you when flossing. Use 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your middle fingers until there is 4 inches left.

• 3

  Use your thumbs and index fingers as guides and slide the floss in between your child's teeth in a back and forth, saw-like motion. Wrap the floss around your child's tooth into a C shape and slide it up and down. Repeat it until all of the teeth are cleaned.

• 4

  Instruct the child to rinse with mouthwash. Only use mouthwash that is nontoxic and alcohol free. Make sure the mouthwash does not contain sugar or cationic antimicrobial agents. Children's mouthwash should always come in child-friendly flavors such as cherry or bubblegum.