Discover The Root Causes Of Bad Breath In Kids

Lots of people think bad breath comes mostly from foods - garlic, onions, strong spices or not brushing and flossing enough. While oral hygiene plays a big role, there can be other causes of bad breath!

Many children and parents don't realize that issues like nasal congestion, sinus infections, acid reflux, and dry mouth are tied to bad breath too. When breathing passageways get inflamed or blocked, smelly compounds can build up. Stomach acid backing up into the throat also releases icky gasses. Look up dentists for kids near your home and visit a good children's dental clinic if your child has bad breath! 

Bad breath can come from places you'd never expect. Work with your pediatric dentist to get to the bottom of it. Testing and asking questions will uncover underlying problems behind bad smelly breath. Dive into this blog to know about some surprising causes of bad breath in kids to prevent their oral health.

Also Read: What Are The Effective Oral Health Facts For Kids?

Top Causes For Bad Breath In Kids

Here are the top causes of bad breath in kids: 

Poor Oral Hygiene

Failing to properly brush and floss can quickly lead to bad breath in kids. Food debris left on the teeth starts to decay, releasing smelly sulfur compounds. When kids don't floss, this debris gets trapped between teeth and continues to cause odors.

It’s vital to teach good brushing and flossing habits early on. Have your child brush for two minutes, twice per day. Show them proper flossing as well to clean between teeth. Establish a nighttime routine so they associate tooth brushing before bed. Make it fun by getting kid-friendly toothpaste flavors or brushes. You can even use a timer or play a song while they brush.

Visiting the children's dentist regularly can reinforce habits too. Schedule cleanings every 6 months and discuss any issues with bad breath so they develop healthy long-term behaviors. Search for "children’s dental near me" to find a great local practice.

Dry Mouth 

Saliva naturally washes away food debris and neutralizes mouth acids that cause bad breath. When kids experience dry mouth or reduced saliva, odor-causing bacteria stick around. Certain medications prescribed for other health issues have dry mouth as a side effect. Mouth breathing while asleep can also contribute to dryness.

Identify what may be causing your child’s dry mouth and address it. Talk to their doctor if medications could be adjusted or substituted. There are also mouth rinses and gels to stimulate more saliva production. For nighttime mouth breathing, nasal strips or allergy medication can help if congestion is an issue. Remaining hydrated also keeps saliva flowing, so provide plenty of water instead of sugary drinks.

You can search “infant dentist near me” online to get more tailored guidance. Pediatric dentists specialize in young patients and common issues like chronic bad breath.

Certain Foods and Drinks

Foods like candy, chocolate, cookies, and sodas all can get stuck on teeth, fueling bacteria overgrowth. Acidic drinks like juices, even natural juices, alter mouth pH allowing additional bacteria to thrive. Certain dairy products also contain amino acids that when broken down make breath smell unpleasant or “rotten.”

Limit sugar intake and provide more fruits, vegetables, water, and milk for good breath. If your child has post-nasal drip, the mucus smell clinging to the throat can make the breath worse too.

Search online for “best pediatric dentist near me” to connect with one who gets little mouths healthy in your neighborhood. They’ll examine oral causes of bad breath and advise on dietary tweaks for your child’s unique situation. Establishing great oral care habits now prevents chronic bad breath issues as they grow up.

Oral Infections and Dental Issues  

Cavities and gum disease create the perfect breeding ground for smelly bacteria that cause bad breath. Food gets trapped in decaying areas and between inflamed gums, emitting foul odors. The infections themselves also release gasses that smell unpleasant. 

It’s critical to maintain children’s oral health with consistent hygiene and dental visits. Brush thoroughly over areas that may have small cavities starting. 

Searching for “pediatric dental care near me” online connects you with skilled kids’ dentists in your area. They can assess any problem spots, fill cavities, and provide tips to improve gum health. With diligent at-home care and regular cleanings, you’ll keep oral infections in check for fresh, clean breath.

Sinus Infections  

Congestion from colds, allergies, or bacterial sinus infections can also contribute to bad breath. Excess mucus accumulates in the throat and post-nasal drip occurs. As the mucus rests, odor-producing proteins break down. Bacteria feed on the dead cells and proteins as well, producing foul compounds.

Keep an eye out for thick, discolored mucus and persistent congestion or headaches. These are signs of a lingering sinus infection that requires antibiotic treatment. Breathing through the mouth due to stuffy nasal passages also dries out the mouth. This reduces cleansing saliva, allowing smells to hang around.  

A pediatrician can analyze symptoms, order sinus X-rays, and prescribe appropriate antibiotics for bacterial infections. Saline sprays, nasal strips, antihistamines, and allergy management help clear congestion. 

Gastrointestinal Problems

Acid reflux, or GERD, is a common source of bad breath in kids. Stomach acids back up into the esophagus and mouth, creating a bitter, sour odor. The acid also erodes tooth enamel over time, allowing more bacteria to grow. Identifying and treating reflux prevents tooth decay and smelly breath.

Speak with your pediatrician if you notice your child has frequent hiccups, burping, bad breath, or complaints about stomach pain. They can prescribe medications to reduce excess acid, recommend diet changes to avoid triggers, or refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist for further testing. Controlling gastrointestinal issues improves oral health and breath. 

Conclusion

At Dr. Soo Jun's office, your child gets cutting-edge dental care in a calm, friendly setting. 

Our pediatric specialists train extensively on making little ones comfortable. 

For children with dental anxiety, fear, or special needs, Dr. Soo Jun provides pediatric sedation dentistry in a safe hospital environment. This allows comprehensive oral care from routine cleanings to complex procedures. 

Our high-tech office also handles dental emergencies promptly. Call us anytime for an emergency pediatric dentist appointment!

Schedule an exam with us today to learn more about tailor-made dental care for your precious kids. 

Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about the causes of bad breath.