There’s nothing like going in for a hug with your sweet kiddo and getting a whiff of bad breath! Many people may not think about bad breath being something that affects children, but it definitely does. Keep reading to learn what causes bad breath and how to prevent it.

Bad Breath Causes

The truth is that there isn’t just one cause of bad breath. There could be several factors playing a part in making your child’s breath less than fresh.

• Bad oral hygiene – this is probably the most obvious cause. If your child doesn’t clean their teeth well, it can result in bacterial build up that causes bad breath.
• Dry mouth – A common cause for bad breath is dry mouth. Saliva is used in our mouths to help cleanse the teeth, tongue and gums. If your child suffers from dry mouth, it can lead to bad breath.
• Mouth breathing – if your child has a stuffy nose or a sleep habit of breathing through their mouth, it can cause the mouth to be dry and result in bad breath.
• Tongue Bacteria – Don’t forget to make sure your kiddos are brushing their tongue too. Bacteria on the tongue is a fast track to bad breath.
• Mouth infections – cavities, plaque buildup, or sores in the mouth can all contribute to bad breath. If your child develops any of these issues, be sure to contact us immediately.
• Certain foods – just like in adults, diet can contribute to a child’s bad breath. Really smelly foods like garlic or onion can impact your child’s breath.
• Medications – medications break down in our bodies and can sometimes release chemicals that cause bad breath.
• Illness – certain medical conditions can contribute to or cause bad breath. Some of the common ones are allergies, sinus infections, and tonsillitis.

Avoiding Bad Breath

The easiest way to avoid bad breath is to make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and clean. A twice-daily oral hygiene routine is the first step! Some tips to remember are:

• Use a pea-sized amount of American Dental Association-approved fluoride toothpaste.
• Make sure your child is brushing their tongue.
• Use floss to clean between teeth.
• Replace your child’s toothbrush regularly to make sure it can effectively remove bacteria and debris.
• Schedule regular checkups!

Knowing When Something Is Wrong

In most case, bad breath is a simple solve. If you have tried everything above, but your child seems to have chronic bad breath, let us know. There might be something more complex going on and we can help you figure it out. Remember that we are always here for any questions or concerns you might have. Don’t hesitate to contact us!