Why Does My Child's Breath Smell So Bad?

Did you start noticing your child has bad breath and are you wondering what could be the reasons for it? In this article, we will explore the most common causes of bad breath in children.

Bad breath, also known as halitosis when it becomes chronic, can happen to almost anyone. It can be experienced by many children too, be it acute, where they only have it in the morning, or in a more chronic form. 

What Can Cause Bad Breath in Children?

Children can have bad breath for almost the same reasons as adults. 

Let’s see the most common causes of bad breath and what you can do about it, as a parent.

• Poor Oral Hygiene 

This is one of the most common causes of bad breath in children. Build a daily habit of brushing your child’s teeth, flossing, and rinsing. This way, you make sure they will do it by themselves when they are old enough. 

Brushing and flossing help eliminate food particles that remain in the mouth and between teeth. The bacteria in the mouth feed on the food debris causing bad breath. Good oral hygiene together with preventive care can also protect your little one against cavities and gum disease. 

• Infections 

If your child’s oral health is in check, yet they do have a bad breath, it's time to check for other reasons such as infections and other diseases. Among other conditions, you can check for:

• Sinus infection
• Swollen tonsils 
• Diabetes
• Stomach issues 
• Liver problems 

The sooner the cause of bad breath is detected, the sooner it can be treated and avoid it spreading and affecting more than just the breath. 

• Dry Mouth 

Another reason for your child to have bad breath is dry mouth. Habits like finger sucking, pacifiers, certain medicines, dehydration, snoring, or mouth breathing can lead to dry mouth. It happens because there is not enough saliva produced in the mouth to help clean the bacteria and this can cause bad breath and other dental problems. 

• Diet 

Another common reason for having bad breath is a person’s diet and nutrition level. Sometimes the bad breath can be caused just by ingesting certain foods, and it has nothing to do with disease, infections, and bacteria. Certain foods can have a pungent smell and cause strong, bad breath. Investigate your child’s diet and try to eliminate certain foods.

As you can see, bad breath in children can happen for different reasons. You can start with an oral hygiene routine and if it persists you can go to your child’s pediatrician and check for other causes. 

It is important to do regular check-ups at the dentist and physician anytime it is needed.

At Villa Park Pediatric Dentistry, you can find anything from preventive care to specialized treatments. 

Get in touch with us and schedule an appointment for your child.

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