Are you worried because you have started noticing your child has bad breath? Let’s see what could cause that and what you can do about it.
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can happen for many reasons and it's not just about making sure they have a clean mouth.
Reasons Why Your Child Has Bad Breath
There are several causes that can give your child bad breath, and the best approach is to understand why it's happening so that your child receives the proper care.
- Oral Hygiene
Daily brushing and flossing keep bacteria at bay by eliminating food particles. If these particles linger in the mouth, they will end up creating an unpleasant odor. Proper oral hygiene together with preventive care, also prevents your child from developing other oral health problems such as infections or cavities.
- Infections
Bad breath can also be caused by infections and disease. Affections like sinus infections, swollen tonsils, diabetes, stomach problems, etc. If your child suffers from any of these conditions, ask the doctor what you can do to improve their breath odor.
- Objects Stuck in Nostrils
Children sometimes can put objects inside their noses. Out of curiosity, they can stick objects that fit their nostrils. When these objects are stuck in the nose, they can lead to infections, causing your child to have bad breath. If that is the case, the doctor will need to remove the object as soon as possible and make sure the area is safe.
- Dry Mouth
A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Dehydration, use of pacifiers, finger-sucking and other habits children have can lead to dry mouth. Saliva helps keep the mouth clean, neutralizing the bacteria that cause bad breath. Not only does dry mouth cause halitosis, but it also leads to cavities. Keep your child hydrated and learn what you can do to prevent and heal the dry mouth.
- Diet
We know that specific foods can impact the smell of our mouths. The same goes for children. Foods like garlic and onion, spices, or certain vegetables can create an unpleasant mouth smell.
Our Columbia Team Keeps Your Child's Teeth Clean and Healthy
If your child has bad breath, talk to your local Columbia pediatric dentist and doctor, and together you will find the best solution for your child’s bad breath.
You can also bring your little one to Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry. We are a full-service pediatric dental practice, and we offer a wide variety of services. We want to help our little patients get excellent oral health that will last them a lifetime.
Our caring and friendly dentists will help your child feel safe and relaxed so that they can get the treatment they need. With us, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands.
Schedule an appointment, and we will do our best for your child’s oral health.