Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

Does your child have bad breath even after they brush their teeth? Then they may have halitosis, which is a term used to describe chronic bad breath.

Common Causes of Bad Breath in Children

Here are 5 different things that can cause halitosis in children:

1. Improper Oral Hygiene

It can be difficult to get kids to properly brush and floss their teeth every day. Poor oral health can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, which is essentially bacteria feeding on the residual food particles in the mouth. As they eat, the bacteria can release certain compounds that cause bad breath.

2. White Tongue

If your child has bad breath, you may want to check their tongue. If it’s white, then this film is bacteria that has accumulated on the tongue, and much like the rest of the bacteria in the mouth, it can lead to unpleasant odors.

Brushing the tongue usually helps get rid of this problem.

3. Dry Mouth

Saliva is the unsung hero of oral hygiene as it actually helps to flush out a lot of food particles and bacteria from the mouth. If your child has dry mouth, meaning they don’t produce enough saliva, it can lead to halitosis.

Dry mouth in children is usually caused by mouth breathing, either as a habit or because the child temporarily cannot breathe through their nose, such as during a cold.

4. Dental Issues

Halitosis may actually be a sign that your child is dealing with oral health issues, such as tooth decay, an infection, or even gum disease.

In these cases, your child will likely experience additional symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Mild bleeding
• Tooth discoloration, etc.

Good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk of these dental health issues, but it’s also important to take your child to the dentist for routine check-ups for more comprehensive oral care.

5. Certain Infections

Bad breath can be a co-occurrence with a lot of types of infections, such as strep throat or even a sinus infection. The nasal and oral cavities are more connected than you think, so it’s not really uncommon for one to affect the other.

When Is Bad Breath a Problem?

If the bad breath persists even after you brush the child’s teeth, and you cannot find a solid explanation for it (such as a cold or sinus infection), then it’s a good idea to take them to see a pediatric dentist for a consultation.

Dr. Nana Odoom can closely inspect the child’s oral health and determine the cause of the halitosis, as well as the appropriate treatment.

Book an Appointment in Mechanicsburg Today

If your child is dealing with bad breath, Smilehaus Pediatric Dentistry can help restore the little one’s oral health.

Book a consultation with Dr. Nana Odoom online.

For more information about us, you can call our practice at 717-589-4500.