You may have recently spoken with your child and noticed that the smell of their breath was not pleasant. Even if your little one practices good dental care habits like regularly brushing their teeth, many issues can lead to this problem. Here's what to know about bad breath in kids and how to prevent it.

Causes

Tongue Coating

If your child has bad breath, look for a white coating on their tongue. This layer arises due to food, decomposing skin cells, and odor-causing bacteria. These particles get trapped in the tongue's tiny bumps, known as papillae, and produce a foul smell as they break down.

Gum Disease

This disease involves the inflammation of the gums around the teeth. Gingivitis is an early stage of this condition that can affect children. It happens when bacteria and toxins in plaque buildup infect the soft tissue. Once the particles accumulate and cause inflammation, it can be challenging to remove bad breath even after brushing and flossing.

Tooth Decay

Bad breath can happen due to the bacteria that cause cavities. When the microorganisms build up in the mouth, they wear away the enamel, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay. Once this issue arises, food can get stuck in the damaged areas. 

How to Treat and Prevent Bad Breath

Brush and Floss Regularly

Teach your child to keep their mouth clean and leave their breath feeling fresh by practicing a proper dental care routine. They should brush their teeth in the morning and evening for at least two minutes. Flossing also needs to be done once a day to remove leftover food and reduce plaque buildup. They can prevent tongue coatings that cause bad breath by thoroughly brushing their tongues.

Watch Their Diet

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is good for both your child's body and oral health. Fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, carrots, and celery can clean teeth and increase saliva production, which helps wash away food debris. Limit your child's sugar consumption, as the bacteria in the mouth feed on these treats, causing plaque buildup. 

If you notice bad breath in your child, take them to Pedodontic Associates in Hawaii. This pediatric dentist has offices in Oahu and Maui and has provided dental care services for children and teens for 25 years, specializing in early detection and preventative care. Whether your child needs a cleaning or a cavity filled, they can help. For more information on their team, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea office, (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu location, and call (808) 877-0066 to reach the staff in Kahului.