Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

No one likes dealing with bad breath, but when is it a normal occurrence or something to be concerned about? While we all deal with bad breath from time to time, when it becomes chronic and persistent, this is likely halitosis. 

Halitosis is an unpleasant odor in the mouth that becomes a serious condition because it is unresponsive to quick fixes like mints, gum, or mouthwash. This is when you should take your child to your trusted San Diego pediatric dentist to find out what’s going on with their oral health. Read on in this blog from Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to find out what could be causing your child’s bad breath.

What Causes Halitosis?

Diet - Halitosis can be caused by a variety of things which can make narrowing down the source a bit of trial and error. The first thing to assess is what your child has eaten. 

Certain pungent foods such as garlic and onion are known for giving off a foul odor that lingers for a few hours despite attempts to remove the smell. However, if this odor lingers in the absence of these foods, the food itself is unlikely to be at fault.

Health - Another cause of bad breath is caused by some medical conditions or medications. Oral and sinus infections can cause bad odor to be emitted from the mouth as a result of bacteria. 

Other conditions like diabetes or Sjogren's syndrome can cause dry mouth, which is closely associated with bad breath. Dry mouth is commonly a symptom of medications as well. Lack of adequate saliva means that bacteria is lingering in the mouth for longer and acid attacks are occurring more frequently against your teeth, all of which combine to produce foul odors.

Oral Hygiene - Perhaps the most common cause of bad breath is this – improper oral hygiene. Infrequent or improper techniques when brushing and flossing can result in plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that give off a bad smell. This also increases your risk for gum disease which is another source of bad breath.

Tobacco Use - If you smoke or use tobacco products, you are at an increased risk of developing bad breath and oral health problems. Once children grow into their teens, they are more likely to experiment with tobacco products. Discourage your child from smoking or using tobacco by explaining the harm it can do to their oral and overall health.

Treatment for Halitosis

If odorous foods are what’s causing your child’s bad breath, try limiting their consumption of garlic and onion. If they do consume these foods, eating an apple can neutralize the odor. Most importantly, your child should have a good oral hygiene routine.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. They should also brush their tongue and floss once daily. Regular dental cleanings every 6 months can help freshen their breath and remove odor-causing bacteria. 

Eliminate harmful tobacco products that contribute to bad breath and discourage mouth breathing which can lead to dry mouth. If your child has chronic dry mouth, they can try frequently sipping water or chewing sugar-free gum that stimulates saliva flow. 

If halitosis is being caused by a medical condition or infection, only treatment can resolve this.

Dental Cleanings Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Halitosis

The ADA recommends having your teeth cleaned and examined every 6 months to keep your breath fresh and reduce your risk of oral health problems. 

If your child is struggling with foul breath, we can perform an oral exam to look for potential causes and remove odor-causing plaque and tartar. Contact us at Sprouting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

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