Causes For Your Child’s Bad Breath

Bad breath is something that adults experience, but kids can also have halitosis. While it may be easy to understand that last night’s garlicky dinner can leave your breathe less than pleasing, for kids it could mean something more. Here are some causes for your child’s bad breath.

Plaque build up

When a child falls asleep saliva production decreases, and bacteria begins to grow. If your child is not brushing well, and there are particles of food trapped in between teeth, excess plaque builds up. Encourage your child to brush and rinse his mouth properly, especially before bedtime. If your child is old enough, teach correct flossing technique, or even do it for them.

Tonsillitis

If your child’s tonsils are enlarged, food particles may become lodged in the crevices of the tonsils. Tonsillitis can lead to pockets of infection, which may open and drain, resulting in bad breath. If your child is complaining of a sore throat, and you notice the back of throat appears inflamed, make and appointment with the child’s pediatrician.

Foreign bodies stuck in the nose

Another culprit behind your child’s bad breath could be if he stuck something up one if his nostrils, especially if it is a food item like a pea or a nut. If your child has bad breath, check to see if the air is constricted, or one side or has a foul smell. You may want to pay a visit to your pediatrician to remove it, so that you do not lodge it further up the nose.

Dry mouth

If your child sucks her thumb, a pacifier, or a blanket at bedtime this could cause dry mouth. An overly dry mouth encourages bacteria growth and the release of unpleasant smelling gases, resulting in bad breath. Drinking sugary drinks like juices and soda can also cause dry mouth. Make sure your child drinks plenty of water during the day. Drinking water will alleviate dryness and serve to flush particles from your child’s teeth.

Fuzzy tongue

While it may seem a little strange to envision your child with a fuzzy tongue, what it is referring to, is a coating on the tongue. This coating is a build-up of bacteria that can easily be removed by brushing the tongue. If old enough, you can ask your dentist to teach your child how to brush the tongue. Tongue “scrapers” are sold in pharmacies and can be safer.

Gastroesophageal Reflux

Gastroesophageal Reflux is more commonly known as heartburn. If you notice acid-smelling breath, it is possible you may need to treat your child. Other symptoms could include “colicky” behavior, spitting up frequently, restless sleeping, throaty noises, and abdominal discomfort after eating. Mild reflux can be treated by eating smaller, frequent meals. Also, discourage lying down for at least a half hour after eating. If the complaints seem chronic, you may want to take your child to the doctor.

Chronic sinus infection

During a sinus infection, fluids will drip down the back of the throat and can settle on the back of the tongue. The mouth’s bacteria will feed off this mucus and release odorous gases. If your child seems to cough all the time, or always has a stuffy nose, it may be more than just a cold. If you doctor determines it is a sinus infection, it is easily treatable.

The qualified staff at Tooth Fairy Smiles is available to not only care for your child’s teeth twice a year but will teach you and your child the proper steps for dental health. Keeping the teeth and gums clean encourages healthy teeth and gums. A healthy mouth will also be a sweet smelling mouth. If you have concerns about causes for your child’s bad breath contact Tooth Fairy Smiles.