Why Your Child May Have Bad Breath: 4 Tips for Child Dental Care

What is Halitosis (Bad Breath as it’s Commonly known)

Halitosis is the medical term used for what we know as bad breath. This oral health problem is, in most cases, preventable. If you’ve noticed your child has bad breath, do not worry, there is hope! Generally, when it comes to bad breath in children, improper oral hygiene is often the culprit or root cause. 

What Causes Bad Breath in Children?

Several factors could contribute to bad breath, and these are some of the most common causes:

• Inadequate oral hygiene-Poor brushing of their teeth thoroughly or frequently and plaque buildup can irritate the gums if not brushed away and can cause additional issues.
• Dry mouth-If your child’s mouth produces less saliva than usual, xerostomia — dry mouth — may occur, resulting in bad breath.
• Mouth breathing-When a child breathes through their mouth (due to a stuffy nose or as a sleep habit) prevents saliva from washing away bacteria.
• Bacteria on the Tongue-The tongue can also harbor bacteria that produce foul odors and bad breath; making sure your child cleans their tongue as well.
• Infections in the mouth-Cavities, plaque buildup, mouth sores, or oral surgery can also contribute to bad breath. 

4 Tips for Child Dental Care

Healthy teeth are indicators of a child’s oral health. You can help your child avoid developing bad breath by creating a daily oral care routine.

1. Have your child brush twice daily with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. 
2. Ensure your child brushes their teeth, cleans their tongue, and floss between their teeth with floss.
3. Replace your child’s toothbrush every 2-3 months. 
4. To avoid halitosis or other oral health concerns, schedule regular check-ups and clean-ups with your child’s dentist.

Chronic Bad Breath

In most cases, your child’s bad breath may go away once you implement a better oral routine. However, some may develop or experience chronic bad breath. Your child can be referred to a primary care physician for additional tests and diagnose the underlying cause of halitosis.

Final Thoughts

Many causes of bad breath are only temporary. Regardless of the cause of bad breath, teaching your children good dental habits early is good oral and overall health. At Children’s Dentistry of Arlington, we’re happy to help with any of your child’s dental needs and provide further information on good dental habits for your child. 
You can give us a call at ​​1(703)634-9450 or book an appointment online today.