Having bad breath is one of the most embarrassing situations and is getting common nowadays in small children. Bad breath is very unpleasant in children. However, you might not recognize it. It can, at times happen, that after properly brushing teeth, bad breath can persist in your child’s mouth. Bad breath is a common name for a medical condition called halitosis. There can be many reasons for halitosis in children.
Some of the reasons for bad breath in kids are as follows:
- Foods stuff like onion, garlic, cheese, juices, etc.
- Sometimes children tend to breathe through their mouth as a result of blocked nasal passage
- Improper brushing and floss methods
- Plaque, calculus and gum diseases
Read: Preventing bad breath
Poor oral hygiene is known to be the fundamental reasons of bad breath. When kids eat something, few food particles are left in the mouth. These particles begin to rot and smell. These rotten particles attract bacteria and causes severe bad breath. Improper brushing of teeth causes plaque to accumulate on teeth. Bacteria reside on plaque, also leads to bad breath. Preventing and treating bad breath is an easy task.
Preventing & curing bad breath in kids – Best methods
Before proceeding here is how to check for bad breath at home.
Proper oral hygiene: Parents should make sure that their kids brush and floss properly. Kids should brush their teeth twice a day using a soft bristle toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. Toothbrushes should be changed after every 3-4 months. Many food items including sweetened juices, cold drinks contain acids that tend to soften the enamel. Brushing the teeth, at least after one hour of eating/ drinking any food item is advisable to avoid bad breath.
Fluids intake: Children should intake plenty of fluids including water. Fewer fluids means less saliva, which in turn leads to dry mouth and, unfortunately, bacteria tend to act more on a dry mouth. Choose drinks like tea, milk or coffee (without sugar).
Avoid sugary foods and drink: Sugars and various sugary food items contain acids that are the main cause of bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Avoiding such drinks can be of great help. Halitosis is also caused by protein metabolizing bacteria, so cutting back on proteins can be of great help too.
Tongue cleaning: Cleaning the tongue is also an important aspect in controlling bad breath. A plastic tongue cleaner can be used to clean the back of the tongue after brushing. You need to place it as far back as possible to clear germs coating on the tongue. Tongue cleaning is considered to be the most effective measure in controlling halitosis.
Visiting a doctor/dentist: If after trying everything, your child still suffers from bad breath, then it’s time to take him/her to the dentist. The dentist will examine your child and can list the possible reasons for the child’s bad breath. They can also help in cleaning the teeth if necessary.There could be a possibility that the child might be having dental cavities that need to be treated. Visiting a good pediatrician can be of great help too. Sometimes due to allergies, bronchitis or tonsils bad breath can be caused amongst the children.
For adults, here are the causes of halitosis, and the treatment of halitosis.
There could be a possibility that the child might be having dental cavities that need to be treated. Visiting a good pediatrician can be of great help too. Sometimes due to allergies, bronchitis or tonsils bad breath can be caused amongst the children. It is better to get it checked and know if there are any actual causes that you are not aware of.
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