You love your child’s smile, but no one wants to smell stinky breath! Bad breath can happen to anyone at times, but if it is persistent, it is understandable that you have concerns about your child’s oral health. What can cause chronic oral odors in kids, and what solutions could help? This blog post offers helpful information.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Some kids struggle to adopt thorough oral hygiene habits. Inadequate brushing and flossing allows bacteria and food particles to collect in the mouth, leading to bad breath. Try monitoring your child’s habit for a time and provide coaching as necessary. If they resist better habits, you may have to create a rewards system or use appropriate discipline to get them on track.
Gum Disease
While gum disease is usually viewed as a grown-up problem, the truth is that it can affect all ages, particularly when poor oral hygiene is a factor. As bacteria invade the gums, the tissue can become red and swollen. Bad odors are also very common. Thorough oral hygiene can sometimes reverse the early stage of gingivitis. Talk to your child’s dentist so they can get their mouth professionally cleaned and receive a targeted plan to improve their gum health.
Mouth Breathing & Dry Mouth
Does your child often breathe through their mouth? This can cause saliva to dry out, and since saliva is important for oral hygiene, an inadequate supply can lead to bacterial growth and bad breath.
If your child’s mouth breathing is caused by chronic nasal congestion, speak to their primary care doctor about treatment for allergies or other issues. In some cases, mouth breathing is caused by poor oral development, such as narrow dental arches or improper resting position of the tongue. Your pediatric dentist can identify these abnormalities and determine what you should do next.
Tonsil Stones
Tonsils stones are small lumps that form in the crevices of the tonsils, typically caused when the tissues trap food debris. Over time, these deposits calcify and can emit a bad odor. Your pediatric dentist can identify this issue and provide advice. Gargling with salt water and practicing good oral hygiene can help. Severe cases of tonsil inflammation may lead to the need for a tonsillectomy.
Other Causes
Some systemic health problems can affect the way the breath smells, including diabetes, acid reflux, sinus infections, and kidney disorders. If you have reason to believe that your child’s overall health is at risk, take them to see their primary care provider right away.
Chronic bad breath in kids is frustrating — and it can signal a deeper issue. Strive to identify the source of the problem so your child’s smile can be fresh and healthy.
Meet the Practice
At Wash Park Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Bowman is proud to be a board-certified pediatric dentist with decades of experience. Along with Dr. Kathleen Waguespack, he and our team provide top-quality oral health services for young smiles. If you are concerned due to your child’s bad breath or other symptoms, we are ready to assist you. Contact our office in Denver at 720-647-6310.