Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can have various causes. However, while you may expect an adult to experience this issue, you may be surprised to notice that your child has bad breath.

Bad breath in children can signal different health or oral hygiene issues. Together we will explore the different reasons this happens and what you can do about it.

Reasons Your Child Has Bad Breath

Here are some of the reasons why your child may have bad breath:

Poor Oral Hygiene

If your child doesn’t brush their teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse, bacteria can accumulate and create bad breath. Gums can also be affected by this bacteria, and your child might develop gingivitis.

In addition to brushing your child’s teeth regularly and thoroughly, you should also take your kid to see their pediatric dentist for preventive care.

Food

Certain foods can cause bad breath because they are very acidic and create an environment in the mouth that allows bacteria to thrive. Not only that, but these foods can damage their teeth. If your child has bad breath, you can try adjusting their diet until you find out what works best.

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays an important role in keeping bacteria at bay. If your child has a dry mouth, more bacteria will accumulate, affecting their oral health and their breath.

Infections

Sinus infections or tonsillitis can cause bad breath too. If you suspect that your child has an infection, contact their pediatrician to get adequate treatment.

Other Health Conditions That Can Cause Bad Breath

Sometimes it is not just about oral hygiene or an issue related to oral health. Other health conditions can also affect the breath of your child, and you would have to talk to a specialist to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

If your child has health conditions related to their throat, ears, or nose, these can cause bad breath.
Gastrointestinal conditions and gastroesophageal reflux can also be reasons for your child to have halitosis.
Certain medications can also cause bad breath.

What to Do If Your Child Has Bad Breath

To avoid bad breath, make sure your child has good oral hygiene and explain to them the importance of clean teeth and mouth. Speak to a pediatric dentist, take your child to regular check-ups and make sure their overall health is in good condition.

Your child’s pediatrician will also help you determine if there are any other health issues and how to treat them.

Worried About Your Child’s Oral Health? Call Our White Plains Team

If you have noticed your child’s breath has changed and you are worried, you can always schedule a visit.

At Miles of Little Smiles, we focus on preventive care and educating our patients about the importance of good oral hygiene. We believe that with good oral health habits and strong preventive care, every child can enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile.