Mouthwash: a source of acute ethanol intoxication

Treatment of a 33-month-old girl who sustained severe ethanol intoxication resulting from mouthwash ingestion prompted us to review the ingestions, compositions, and sales of these common household products. Mouthwashes contain up to 26.9% ethanol (53.8 proof), and each of the leading brands markets single containers that can supply a lethal ethanol dose to a toddler. Mouthwashes are particularly hazardous because they are thought to be innocuous, and they are widely available, attractive, and kept within easy reach of children. Parent education, and restrictions on packaging and ethanol concentration are recommended.