What Causes Bad Breath in Children?
Good oral habits are important at every stage of life: and these habits are best formed as early as possible. Teaching kids to take care of their teeth sets them up for optimal oral well-being, and with the help of our dentists at Distinctive Dental Solutions, it’s easier. It’s normal for kids to have bad breath from time to time, but if this issue becomes the norm, it may be an indication of an underlying problem. Bad breath is caused by several dental health complications. Being aware of the following risk factors can help you protect your child’s health.
Eating Certain Foods
Pungent foods like onions and garlic aren’t the only ones that can lead to bad breath. Odiferous foods containing sulfurous compounds cause bad breath due to the way your body absorbs them into your bloodstream. You don’t have to cut these foods out of your child’s diet; however: in moderation, you can minimize any unwanted effects on your child’s breath.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Bad breath is a common result of poor oral hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, teeth can become coated in plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the enamel. Plaque contains bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. Allowing plaque to build up increases the risk of bad breath, so make sure your child develops good dental habits.
Oral Bacterial Infections
Another possible complication of plaque is a bacterial infection, which typically is the result of long-term hygiene issues. If plaque is not removed regularly, the buildup can lead to a surplus of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These infections can result in tooth decay and gum disease over time. The bacteria release odors that can cause chronic bad breath.
Dry Mouth
Your mouth naturally produces saliva, which acts as a cleaning agent that helps to dissolve food particles and odor-causing bacteria. Saliva helps to keep your mouth clean and healthy, which guards against bad breath. If your child has a dry mouth, he or she may develop halitosis, or an accumulation of bad-smelling bacteria. Dry mouth can be caused by mouth breathing, dehydration and certain medications, so discuss your child’s symptoms with a dentist to determine the best way to manage them.
Improperly Cleaned Oral Appliances
Many children wear oral appliances, which may include dental space maintainers, mouth guards and retainers. Wearing these regularly means they become dirty quickly. Failing to properly clean an oral appliance allows bacteria to grow on it, which then affects your child’s mouth.
Treating Bad Breath in Kids
Sometimes, bad breath can be eliminated simply by practicing better oral hygiene and cleaning oral appliances regularly. However, given that there are many potential causes of bad breath, it’s best to discuss the matter with a dentist. Distinctive Dental Solutions provides outstanding services for patients of all ages, and we’re a family-friendly dentist office. We can help you pinpoint the underlying cause of your child’s bad breath and determine whether a deep cleaning or other treatment may be needed. Contact our office today to schedule a checkup.
