Is it ever okay for children to use mouthwash? i've heard conflicting things about children using mouthwash because they might get too much fluoride. is this true? is there even any point in using mouthwash that doesn't have fluoride in it?

There : There are specific mouthwashes for children that are excellent (act). Most have fluoride. This is not harmful as topical Fluoride is not an overdose issue as long as its not swallowed-it is the ingested fluoride, either in drinking water or in vitamins that can cause spotting in the enamel. It's probably a good idea, especially for a cavity prone child to use these rinses.

The : The effects of mouth washes are, very, very minimal. Brushing and flossing are far more important. Worry about your child brushing and foisting properly. Most children up to age 7 or so cannot properly manipulate their mouths for proper rinsing. They just end up swallowing the stuff. Spend the time on brushing and flossing and if that is perfect, then you can rinse, or not.

Susceptibility : Susceptibility to decay is inherent. Diet is another thing. Gauging how much flouride intake we get everyday can be unknown because we have to be aware of the percentage content we get from water and other beverages, flouride treatment from the dental office, toothpaste, food, and vitamins...To prevent a toxic level. It is good to check the flouride content from your city water to start. Do you regularly bring your children to visit your dentist for every 6 mos check up and flouride treatment? What type of food is available to eat at home esp for snacks? If the kids are not getting enough flouride, it is good to supervise them when they are brushing, flossing, and using flouride rinse. You can save money for college :). Have you heard about a wife chasing her husband with a tooth brush and flouride toothpaste? It is a joke. Everyone needs flouride. Anyway, as long as you want to keep your teeth forever, you also need flouride. There should be a balance in everything - not enough and not too much...