When compared to kids, adults are more capable of combating oral diseases. But, as a parent constantly worrying about your child’s dental health isn’t the solution. Thus, you should begin incorporating good dental hygiene habits in your kids from a young age. Bad breath in kids, or halitosis in children, is among the most common oral health concerns. Various reasons can lead to bad breath and getting to the primary cause helps in curing halitosis.
Children might not know the importance of maintaining a meticulous oral hygiene routine, but giving them insight either by taking them to a children’s dentist near you or explaining things to them can make a huge difference.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
- Certain types of foods: When your child eats any food with a strong odor, it leaves behind an unpleasant smell in your kid’s mouth. Some of these foods include onion, garlic, etc., which can instantly decrease the freshness of the breath. Thus, as a parent, you should ensure that your kid is in the habit of rinsing his or her mouth thoroughly after eating food with a strong odor otherwise the smell might linger.
- Poor oral hygiene routine: There are several advantages of making your child follow a proper dental hygiene routine as it helps in preventing bad breath in children and safeguards your kids against various oral diseases. Improper brushing and flossing and not cleaning the tongue are the leading causes of persistent bad breath. Therefore, you should ensure that your child follows good dental habits.
- Dry mouth: Pediatric dentists in Bradley, IL, and elsewhere always stress the importance of noticing dry mouth among children. This is because the formation of saliva is vital for preventing the development of halitosis-causing bacteria in the mouth. Saliva consists of antimicrobial enzymes that aid in washing away bacteria and keeping the mouth healthy. Therefore, children must be well hydrated at all times because drinking water keeps their mouths moist and prevents bad breath.
- Breathing through the mouth: Children, in general, start breathing through their mouths when suffering from a cough or cold. But if your child is breathing through the mouth regularly, it might lead to halitosis.
Medical Conditions Related to Bad Breath and Halitosis in Kids
There are several possible causes of bad breath in children, most of which relate to a child’s physical health. Children with acid reflux may also have halitosis. When they vomit stomach acids and partially-digested food, it can damage their teeth and lead to bad breath. If this is a concern for your child, please consult their pediatrician about changing the diet or prescribing medication.
Large tonsils or adenoids may also cause halitosis. Large tonsils and adenoids, both located at the back of the throat, can foster bacterial growth that leads to halitosis. Large tonsils can also cause snoring and sleep apnea in more severe cases requiring evaluation from an ENT specialist.
Problems with dental health like tooth decay and gum disease may also lead to bad breath. Overgrowth of bacteria creates an odor, as bacteria’s acid byproducts decompose tissues in and around diseased teeth or gums. Cavities should be treated immediately or as soon as you notice them; tooth decay is a painful condition that can become much worse if left untreated.
Lastly, some medications – when taken on an ongoing basis – may decrease saliva flow which could lead to less moisture in the mouth leading to bad breath.
Conclusion
At Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we believe in putting a smile on our young patients’ faces. We offer a wide range of pediatric dentistry services in Bradley, IL, such as preventative dental care for kids, root canal therapy for children, etc. You can schedule an appointment with our pediatric dentists in Bradley, IL.
