If your child has been experiencing bad breath, you might be wondering about the potential causes and beneficial changes to their dental care. In addition to preventing your child from becoming self-conscious about their breath, there are also health benefits to correcting this issue. Halitosis in children can have a large variety of causes, and it’s wise to rule out possibilities so that you can get to the root of the issue. 

What are the Potential Causes of Halitosis?

Poor oral hygiene is the most common underlying cause. Encourage your child to practice healthy dental care by brushing their teeth at least twice a day, alongside flossing after meals. Choose a toothpaste that includes fluoride, especially if your child drinks sodas, and make sure that they are brushing all of their teeth as well as their tongue. An electric toothbrush with a built-in timer can help teach your child to brush thoroughly.

If you’ve ruled out oral hygiene as the issue, there may be an underlying infection. If your child has a sinus infection, fluids might be gathering in the nasal passages and throat, creating a home for bacterial growth. Swollen tonsils, caused by underlying infections, can also lead to bad breath because of bacterial growth. Healthy tonsils should look pink, but infected tonsils will appear red or inflamed and may have white spots on them. If you have concerns about either of these conditions, contact your pediatrician.

Dry mouth or mouth breathing can both cause halitosis, as saliva is an essential factor in washing away odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. If your child has issues with snoring, this can also be a factor. 

What are the Solutions for Halitosis?

Practicing good dental care is often the best solution. In addition to daily brushing and flossing, scheduling routine cleanings will keep your child's teeth free of odor-causing bacteria.

Ensure that your child stays adequately hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day, as this will help with a dry mouth. Additionally, cut back on sticky foods, such as candies, which can become stuck between the teeth and cause bacteria growth.

Finally, introducing a mouthwash can give an oral health boost. Look for kid-friendly mouthwashes with fluoride, and supervise your child to make sure they don’t swallow any as they are doing their nightly rinse.

If you’re looking to schedule a check-up for your child or get some tips on handling halitosis, contact Stacy Lesley DDS. Serving residents of Concord, NC, since 2010, her practice features experienced and friendly doctors and staff with additional hours to fit busy schedules. To set up an appointment, call (704) 766-1488 or visit their website to meet their team.