Bad Breath in Kids: Why It Happens & How to Stop It

Why does your kid’s breath smell so bad? The question most parents hope to never deal with but usually do. Bad breath in kids can be caused by poor oral hygiene which can lead to more serious dental conditions. But fear not, there are ways to prevent bad breath and keep your child’s teeth healthy and clean!

Why does my kid’s breath smell so bad?

There can be many reasons why your child’s breath might smell so bad. It can either be a result of poor oral hygiene – not brushing or flossing regularly, bad food or drink choices – opting for sodas, candy, or chips, or halitosis – a medical condition where bacteria produces hydrogen sulfide that is the bad odor.

What causes my child to have bad breath?

Major topic here

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene that consists of not brushing or flossing regularly can cause bad breath. The leftover food particles from skipping a brushing or flossing session can harden and form smelly plaque.

Halitosis

The leftover food particles that harden and form smelly plaque is called halitosis. That halitosis can produce hydrogen sulfide. The sulfide is what gives an icky, rotten smell. Chronic bad breath could even be a sign of gum disease, so it’s important to get checked.

How to get rid of bad breath in a child

To get rid of bad breath, first make sure your child is properly brushing and flossing their teeth 3 times a day, after every meal. Make sure they are also brushing their tongue as bacteria can linger there. Drinking more water can also help alleviate bad breath. Water will help increase saliva production so the bad breath bacteria can be washed away.

My child has bad breath in the morning

Bad breath in the morning is a common nuisance. Make sure your child is brushing and flossing their teeth right after dinner and before bed. Make sure they drink lots of water, especially before going to bed at night. This keeps them hydrated, preventing dry mouth and the resulting bad breath.

FAQs About Bad Breath in Kids

Why does my child’s breath smell so bad?

Your child can have bad breath due to halitosis, a condition that stems from foot particles sticking to the teeth and forming bacteria.

How do you fix bad breath in children?

You can fix your child’s bad breath by making sure they are properly brushing and flossing their teeth, drinking enough water, opting for dental healthy food and drinks and having regular dentist appointments.

What are 4 possible causes of bad breath?

Not brushing or flossing properly Consumption of certain types of foods or drinks Dry mouth from low water intake Oral infection from halitosis

Which toothpaste is best for bad breath?

Deodorizing toothpastes are best to combat bad breath. Deodorizing toothpastes are clinically proven to remove up to 5 times more plaque in hard-to-reach places than non-baking soda toothpastes.

Can bad breath come from the stomach?

Bad breath can most definitely come from the stomach. Bad breath can be a sign of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD. If you tend to have heartburn or reflux, your bad breath could be related to the excess acid produced by your digestive tract. Those acids can have a sour odor, affecting your breath.

Conclusion

Don’t be alarmed if your child has bad breath – it is quite common amongst kids. Make sure they are properly brushing and flossing their teeth after every meal, including their tongue, opting for teeth friendly food and drinks, drinking enough water and having regular visits to the dentist. If you’ve followed all the prevention methods and home treatments and nothing seems to work, make an appointment with your dentist. They can help you determine the cause of your morning breath and identify the best treatment options moving forward. Let us help you tackle your kids’ bad breath today!