Halitosis is the official term for bad breath. If your child has halitosis, chewing gum and rinsing with mouthwash might not get rid of the persistent odor. That's why your youngster should visit the dentist, as a professional can help diagnose and treat the underlying issue. Here is a guide to what parents can do when their kids have bad breath. 

Common Causes of Halitosis in Children

Your child should brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. When your child skips these crucial steps, smelly food residue, plaque, and bacteria can build up between teeth and along the gumline. This can cause a noticeable mouth odor. 

Children who suck their thumbs or use pacifiers can develop dry mouth. This means there's not enough saliva to remove bacteria. An odor develops as a result. A dentist can provide advice to help your child break their thumb-sucking habit and tips to prevent dry mouth from pacifiers. 

Signs Your Child Should Visit a Dentist

If your child has good oral hygiene and no dry mouth issues, there could be an underlying medical condition that's contributing to their halitosis. This would be the case, for instance, if your child has a sinus infection. 

Mucus in the nose and throat are a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria. A sinus infection can also cause toothaches. If the nasal passage is blocked due to a foreign object, bacteria will also build up in the nose. Your child's dentist can examine your youngster for cause for concern. 

How to Prevent Halitosis

Make sure daily brushing and flossing are part of your child's morning and evening routine. In addition to teeth, your child should brush their tongue, as bacteria collects on the surface. Your child should rinse with mouthwash to remove lingering food particles and bacteria after brushing and flossing. They should also drink more water to wash away bacteria during the day.

If your child has halitosis, contact C. R. Sfeir, DDS, General Dentistry in Lorain, OH. The dentist has been providing cosmetic and general dentistry services to residents throughout Lorain County since 1995. Read about the preventative dentistry services online, and call (440) 960-5200 for an appointment.