Bad breath can cost you friends and certainly cause people to stay a reasonable distance away from you. However, it can be more than just a deterrent to getting close to others. Bad breath can be the underlying cause of a more significant health problem, making it distressing for parents of children with this concern.
Common Causes of Bad Breath in Children
If your child has bad breath even after brushing, it’s essential to look at the circumstances of their life that might have led to this problem. Some of the common causes seen in children are:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: A child who does not brush or floss well enough, or at all, can acquire plaque buildup. Plaque is made of bacteria that coats the teeth. It produces foul odors and can cause cavities, gum disease, and, yes, bad breath.
- Factors in the Diet: Certain foods can cause anyone’s breath to stink. Foods like garlic and onions are known to cause temporary bad breath because of the sulfur compounds they contain, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the lungs. Sugar is a culprit, too, because it feeds the bacteria that lead to bad breath.
- Dry Mouth and Mouth Breathing: Saliva cleanses the mouth by washing food and bacteria away. If there is a reduced amount of saliva, the mouth becomes an environment where odorous bacteria can live.
- Oral Infections and Diseases: Bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease, which can produce terrible odors in the mouth. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent these infections and diseases and help keep the mouth smelling fresh.
- Foreign Objects: Many young children seem to have a knack for lodging small objects in their noses, which can lead to discharge, which, in turn, leads to foul breath. If you suspect your child might have done this, seek medical attention promptly.
Instilling proper oral hygiene in a child can be difficult. Children tend to avoid brushing their teeth because it usually signals bedtime, or they have no interest in the activity. Nevertheless, it is one of the most critical good health habits a parent can pass down to their child.
Effective Treatments and Preventive Measures
Parents can help their child by:
- Establishing a Routine: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily. Supervise them during this time and encourage proper techniques. Instead of having your child brush their teeth as part of their bedtime routine, make it an after-dinner ritual to break the relationship between teeth brushing and bedtime.
- Scheduling Regular Check-Ups: Children should see their dentist twice a year to make sure no infections or diseases have taken hold. At Babylon Dental Care, we offer comprehensive services for children, including professional cleanings and examinations.
- Hydration: Make sure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day to maintain adequate saliva production. This will help cleanse the mouth of any bacteria.
- Balanced Diet: Sugary foods and beverages can contribute to bacterial growth. Try to encourage your children to avoid these items and eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
- Address Underlying Conditions: If your child’s bad breath has not stopped despite your diligence, talk to your pediatrician to rule out any medical conditions, like gastrointestinal issues or sinus infections.
As a parent, you try your hardest with the knowledge you have to keep your child healthy and happy. Even if your child does not cooperate, instilling proper hygiene habits can be a trying process for you and your child, but don’t give up.
When to Seek Professional Help
To keep your child’s breath fresh, you need a combination of good oral hygiene, regular dentist visits, and attention to overall health. Knowing the common causes of foul-smelling breath and how to implement effective practices can help you help your child maintain a healthy smile. At Babylon Dental Care, pediatric dentistry is one of our specialties. Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for your child so they feel welcome and excited for their regular check-up.
We know addressing bad breath in kids can be difficult. We can help you identify the cause of your child’s bad breath and develop a personalized care plan. With over forty-one years of experience, we know how to help families achieve optimum oral health.
If your child is struggling with bad breath, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Call us at (631) 983-6665 or contact us online for an appointment with one of our children’s dentistry specialists and let us help your child smile bigger and brighter.