Children and the Dangers of Mouthrinses
Mouthrinses can be hazardous and even fatal, especially in smaller children
who ingest the ones that contain ethanol. The most common mouthrinses
that are commercially available contain ethanol as well as phenolic compounds
that help reduce plaque formation. Others contain quaternary ammonium
compounds that also help in the reduction of plaque.
Various mouthrinses have different actions, some more effective than
others. However, people should be very careful in protecting young children
from ingesting these substances. Parents should be careful to note possible
signs and symptoms of ethanol toxicity.
The most common signs are:
- Irritability of the child
- Severe hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels) due to the
- Absorption of the sugar by the ethanol in the blood stream.
Like all other poisonous cleaning and household products, mouthrinses
should also be kept out of the reach of young children at all times.
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