Mouthwashes are meant to be spit out, not swallowed.

Find out what happens if you swallow mouthwash.
If you, or a child, should swallow a small amount of mouthwash, there’s no reason to panic, but do take care to avoid swallowing mouthwash again.

Children and mouthwash

Don’t let children use a mouthwash unsupervised. It has been recommended that children between ages 6 and 12 need to supervised when they use a mouthwash to prevent them from swallowing mouthwash. Many companies use child-resistant caps to help you out. Be sure they spit it out. Children younger than 6 years may have trouble controlling the swallowing reflex, so mouthwash is not recommended for young children.

Pay Attention while using mouthwash

Don’t let family members distract you when you’re performing your oral care routine; distraction might make you forget to spit and you may swallow the mouthwash by mistake. Go into the bathroom and shut the door as a precaution against swallowing mouthwash.

Swallowing small amounts of mouthwash may leave you feeling a bit queasy or may even cause diarrhea, but these symptoms should pass. However, if your child or someone you know overdoses on mouthwash by drinking and swallowing a large amount, take these steps:

If you swallow mouthwash Check the label to see which of these potentially poisonous products the mouthwash contains: fluoride or ethanol. Severe symptoms of a mouthwash overdose related to these ingredients may include dizziness, drowsiness, trouble breathing, or, in serious cases, convulsions or a coma. In severe cases of swallowing mouthwash, head for the emergency room, and bring the mouthwash bottle with you if possible.

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