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Infant Consumed Mouthwash. Is It Harmful?

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jul 2012
Question: My 1 year old swallowed about 5ml of magic mouthwash. what can I do? is that toxic?
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Answered by Dr. Chandana Krishna (18 minutes later)
Hi..
Thank you for query.

Its unlikely that your baby will have any side effects that you need to worry about. Magic mouthwash is not suitable for children <8 years due to tetracycline which makes bones weaker in children. However, that is long term usage. I do not think there's going to be a problem here.
However, if your mouthwash has lidocaine, it can impair the gag reflex. So make sure your child is ok after he/she eats something. Typically, the effects should wear off in a few hours.
The mouthwash is not toxic but is not approved for such young children.
I hope that answers your concern.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
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Answered by
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Dr. Chandana Krishna

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 121 Questions

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Infant Consumed Mouthwash. Is It Harmful?

Hi..
Thank you for query.

Its unlikely that your baby will have any side effects that you need to worry about. Magic mouthwash is not suitable for children <8 years due to tetracycline which makes bones weaker in children. However, that is long term usage. I do not think there's going to be a problem here.
However, if your mouthwash has lidocaine, it can impair the gag reflex. So make sure your child is ok after he/she eats something. Typically, the effects should wear off in a few hours.
The mouthwash is not toxic but is not approved for such young children.
I hope that answers your concern.
Thank you.