What Causes Halitosis in Children?
When you think your child has consistent bad breath, you may have to look into his mouth and you’d probably see the cause. Bad breath in children is most of the time brought about by improper oral hygiene. The child you taught to brush and floss might not be doing it correctly; food debris might still be lodged in his teeth, open to bacterial colonization and development of caries.
Gums can also be irritated with bad hygiene and can develop gingivitis. If gums are swollen and tender, the child’s tendency is not to brush at all and that compounds the situation. The tongue can also be the seat of foul odor. Bacteria can lodge in the tongue and colonize there. Not brushing or cleaning the tongue regularly can cause odor-causing bacteria to accumulate and cause bad breath.
Untreated sores that appear on the soft tissues of the mouth can also be odorous. A root fragment that was not taken out, its pulp having died already so that it is painless, can become the source of foul smell. Its opening can hide food debris, bacteria and decay.
Also check the mouth for dryness, the child may have dry mouth. Decreased saliva flow allows bacteria to accumulate. Or the child might be breathing through his mouth, either as his habit or maybe the result of a clogged nose.
Eating strong smelling foods like garlic and onions can promote bad breath as well. Certain medications can do that, too. Allergies, sinusitis, tonsillitis and other infections in and around the mouth may be culprits also.
If you see to your child’s oral hygiene and determine that neglect is the cause, bad breath can be a transient situation. Bring the child to the dentist to confirm. If it is determined that poor oral hygiene is not at fault or none of the other causes are found, your dentist can recommend a medical specialist to run tests and determine the real, underlying cause of halitosis or bad breath.
Hello to Fresh Breath in Lynnwood
Notice your child’s strange or odorous mouth breath? Check first with his oral hygiene and then consult with us. We’d love to gently instruct your little one how to have a healthy mouth and refreshing breath.
