Kids and Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

Kids and Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

Adults and kids will experience bad breath at some point in their life. For kids, they may not be as aware of their bad breath as adults would be. This can cause embarrassment and social anxiety if it is pointed out by other kids at school or someone outside their family. For parents, it is important to stay on top of your kid’s oral hygiene. You want to make sure they are brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day.

If you notice your child has bad breath, it could be because of the food they ate, or maybe they forgot to brush their teeth. But, it can also be a warning sign of a health issue.

Here are a few reasons why your child may have bad breath and what you can do about it.

Poor Oral Hygiene

One of the most common reasons for bad breath in kids is poor oral hygiene. Even if a child regularly brushes their teeth, they may do so for only 10 seconds, and they may even forget to use toothpaste. Once bacteria from food build up on their teeth, it can create unpleasant smells and even lead to cavities or infections. The best solution for this is to monitor your child’s oral hygiene routine, making sure they are brushing and flossing correctly and on a daily basis.

Dry Mouth

Saliva helps keep your mouth hydrated and washes away food particles. Simply put, it is your mouth’s cleaning agent. If your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva, then it is unable to keep your teeth feeling clean and your breath smelling fresh. Dry mouth can happen from dehydration, mouth breathing, or the use of certain medications. If you notice your child has bad breath, one thing to do is watch their water intake. They should drink at least 8 cups of water per day. If the dry mouth continues, consult with your local dentist.

Eating Certain Foods

As adults may know, there are certain foods that may taste delicious but leave an unpleasant smell after. This can include common foods like garlic and onions. If your child eats these foods on a daily basis, it can be the reason for bad breath. Try altering your child’s diet if they have bad breath. Now, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t eat garlic or onions ever again, just not on a daily basis.

If your child has bad breath, contact Kids Dental Group and we can help.

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