A Look at Common Causes & Cures for Bad Breath in Children
Bad breath is something that happens to everyone, even small children. It isn’t uncommon for parents to wake up to a sleepy little face ready for morning cuddles, only to be met with an unexpected whiff of stinky morning breath. Occasional bad breath, such as this instance, is normal, persistent issues can be a big indicator of something more.
In this article, we will discuss why children experience bad breath, how you can help manage it, and when it is time to reach out to their pediatric dentist.
What Exactly is Bad Breath and is it Normal in my Child?
Bad breath, referred to in the world of dentistry as halitosis, is a condition that is very common in children and adults alike. It is normal for children to experience a bout of bad breath, especially after eating stronger-smelling foods like onions, garlic, or different types of cheeses. Morning breath is often a common culprit, caused by a dry mouth after a decent night’s sleep. However, when bad breath persists after teeth brushing, it may be worth it to dig deeper.
Why Is My Child Experiencing Bad Breath?
There is no reason to get worried if your child has occasional bad breath. On the flip side, if your little one’s bad breath is something that has become persistent, it might be a symptom of something else entirely. Below are a few of the most common reasons why a child can be experiencing bad breath:
- Cavities Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene
Children should not be expected to know right away how to care for their teeth and mouths, and sometimes brushing and flossing end up on the backburner to other activities. When food particles are left behind in the mouth, bacteria easily grow, leading to a buildup of plaque. This can cause tooth decay over time, as well as cavities that lead to bad breath. If your child skips flossing or is rushing through teeth brushing, this can be the culprit.
- Mouth Breathing and Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common cause of bad breath. When children breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, the production of saliva decreases. Saliva is essential as it washes away food particles as well as bacteria. Therefore, a lack of saliva present in the mouth will lead to unpleasant odors. Mouth breathing is common during sleep or when your child has a cold and cannot breathe properly throughout their nose.
- Infections and Illness
If your child is experiencing a stuffy nose that just won’t clear up, a sore throat, or a sinus infection, bad breath is soon to follow. Bacteria will feed on the mucus that is produced during the lifespan of an illness and will create unpleasant odors in the mouth. Tonsilitis and different infections of the throat can contribute to bad breath, as bacteria are known to collect inside the throat and tonsils.
- Other Conditions and Mouth Sores
Cuts, mouth ulcers, or other sores can sometimes lead to bad breath, especially if they are infected. Other conditions, such as acid reflux, can cause unpleasant odors to travel from the stomach up the esophagus and to the mouth.
- Medication
Different types of medication can come with side effects, from dry mouth to an unusual taste, both of which can contribute to bad breath. If your child has recently started a new medication and breath has changed, this can be the culprit.
How Can I Get Rid of Bad Breath in my Child?
The good news in the case of bad breath is that it is always treatable. With simple changes and consistency, you can help your child keep their teeth healthy and their breath fresh. Below are some great tips:
- Brush, Floss & Rinse
The pillar of fresh breath in children and adults is good oral hygiene. Therefore, it is important to encourage your children to do the following:
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- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a child-friendly or age-appropriate toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily at least once to remove food particles, as well as plaque buildup from between their teeth.
- Brush your child’s tongue as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and food particles.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse if your child is old enough to rinse and spit without swallowing.
For very young children, make sure to supervise their teeth brushing and flossing and offer help if needed. For teens, a gentle reminder might be necessary and can go a long way, particularly if they are starting to care more about their hygiene and appearance.
- Make Sure to Stay Hydrated
It is important to encourage your child to stay hydrated and to offer water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help to boost the production of saliva, which will help to rinse away food particles and bacteria. Water is always a better choice than juice or carbonated drinks, which will only contribute to the decay of teeth and bad breath.
- Prepare Breath-Friendly Snacks
Crunchy vegetables and fruits such as carrots and apples will help to naturally clean teeth and freshen breath up. These snacks will help to promote the production of saliva and help to scrub away food particles.
- Address Any Underlying Issues
If your child has persistent bad breath because of a stuffy nose, sinus infection, or medication they are taking, focus on treating the underlying condition. Encourage them to blow their nose and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter saline spray or setting up a humidifier in their room can help with nasal congestion.
- Keep Up with Regular Scheduled Dental Checkups
Routine dental visits are important when catching up and addressing issues like plaque buildup, gum problems, and cavities. Your pediatric dentist can provide more tips and tricks for improving your child’s oral hygiene and bring up concerns of your own you might have.
Bottom Line
Healthy teeth and breath go hand in hand; from routine teeth cleaning and treating cavities, trust the professionals at Lolo Dentistry, the expert children’s dentist in the Western Montana area, to help you keep your child’s teeth healthy. There are three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana, call us at 406-284-8669 for more information on procedures, dentistry, reviews, and more today!