As a parent, you want to stay on top of your child's dental health. Scheduling regular trips to a pediatric dentist for teeth cleanings will prevent cavities, gingivitis, and other dental issues that can affect your youngster's ability to chew and talk. If your child has chronic bad breath, known as halitosis, you can also bring up this concern with their dentist. Here's a guide to the condition to help you better understand why it develops and how it can be treated.

What Causes Halitosis in Children?

Halitosis stems from various causes, including poor oral hygiene. When your child doesn't brush twice a day, floss once a day, or do a thorough job, food particles are left in the mouth. The residue mixes with bacteria to form corrosive plaque, which has a bad smell. 

A sinus infection could be to blame for the bad odor, too. Foul-smelling bacteria can grow in the clogged nasal passages and throat. Similarly, if your little one sucks their thumb, uses certain medications, or snores at night, they might experience a dry mouth, which means saliva evaporates too quickly to wash away odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. 

What Are Some Common Signs?

In addition to dry mouth, a white coating on the tongue, mucus buildup in the throat and nose, and a tart metallic taste in the mouth are symptoms of halitosis. If having your child improve their dental care habits and drink more water to wash away bacteria doesn't solve the problem, consult a pediatric dentist. They will remove plaque and tartar buildup and possibly prescribe mouthwashes and rinses to combat bacteria and the bad breath it causes. If chronic bad breath persists, the dentist will recommend visiting a pediatrician for testing to determine whether an underlying illness is the cause.  

How Can You Help Prevent It?

To prevent halitosis in the future, your child should continue to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. They should gently brush their tongue, too, as this will remove bacteria on the surface. Flossing will also help remove food between teeth before it forms into plaque. If dry mouth from snoring is the cause, your child might need a sleep apnea machine to improve their breathing and minimize bacteria buildup during the night. 

To help your child overcome halitosis, visit Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates in Avon, OH. The pediatric dentists specialize in creating a calming environment to eliminate children's fears of dental check-ups and procedures. Meet the children's dentists online, and call (440) 934-0149 to arrange an appointment. Check out Facebook for reviews and updated announcements.