Mouthrinse ethanol levels toxic to young children

Parents all know that children love to imitate their every move. And parents will often encourage their children to imitate grown-up toothbrushing routines as a way to instill good dental hygiene habits early. But when it comes to mouthrinse, that behaviour can have dangerous consequences.

Mouthrinse, a good dental hygiene supplement, may have levels of ethanol that are toxic to young children. And because these products are often attractively coloured and pleasant tasting, mouthrinse can be a temptation to a young child. A child who drinks even a small amount - as little as half a cup - is ingesting a dangerous level of ethanol, and may become irritable, unconscious, unresponsive, or even develop convulsions.

So treat mouthrinse as you would other household toxins such as cleaning products or prescription medicines. Children under six do not need them, so keep them out of reach, buy bottles with childproof caps, or search out products that are water-based, not alcohol-based.