Bad breath, also known as “mabahong hininga”, medically referred to as halitosis, frequently affects babies and toddlers. While adults often get bad breath from food, smoking, or poor oral hygiene, bad breath in children stems from sub-optimal oral care practices. However, other temporary factors can contribute to babies and toddlers having halitosis.
In this article, we will examine what are the causes of bad breath in babies and toddlers and recognize potential sources so that you, as parents, can determine the cause of your child's problem. Some are simple fixes, like changing feeding habits, while others may require medical attention from a pediatrician. The good news is that bad breath in kids is rarely a sign of a serious illness.
Why Would a Toddler Have Bad Breath?
It is normal for toddlers to occasionally experience bad breath, as it is part of their development. They are still mastering the chewing and swallowing skills, and their mouths are introduced to new bacteria that may temporarily make their breath smell bad. Typically, it resolves on its own. With time, the breath should smell better as the toddler grows up. Most times, bad breath does not mean anything serious.
9 Causes of Bad Breath in Kids
Several factors can lead to bad breath in children. Understanding the common causes can empower you as parents to identify and rectify effectively:
Poor oral hygiene: If your child doesn't brush and floss their teeth frequently, bad breath can result. If plaque is not brushed away, it can irritate the gums, causing additional issues. The tongue can also harbor bacteria that produce foul odors and bad breath, so make sure your child is brushing his tongue as well.
Dry Mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth. When your child's mouth is producing less saliva than normal, xerostomia may occur, which contributes to morning breath.
Mouth breathing: When a child breathes through his mouth (due to a stuffy nose or as a sleep habit), saliva prevents bacteria from washing away, which promotes bad breath.
Bacteria on the Tongue: Most odor-causing bacteria reside on the tongue. If you do not brush your tongue, it will accumulate and cause bad breath.
Infections in the mouth: Bad breath can also result from cavities, tooth decay, plaque buildup, mouth sores, or oral surgery.
A foreign object: Sometimes, a baby or toddler will place a foreign object (tiny toys, food particles, etc.) in his or her nose. A foreign object lodged in the nose can cause bad breath in children.
Certain foods: If your child consumes foods that have a strong odor, like garlic, onions, or specific spices, it can impact the freshness of his breath.
Medications: Sometimes, the way medication breaks down in the body can lead to bad breath. This process releases chemicals that may result in bad breath.
Illness or health conditions: If your child is suffering from allergies, a sinus infection, tonsillitis, gum disease, gingivitis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or another medical condition, bad breath can occur.
Can Brushing and Flossing Cure Bad Breath in Children?
While brushing and flossing can significantly reduce bad breath in kids, they may not completely eradicate the issue. A rigorous oral hygiene routine is vital for minimizing odor-causing bacteria and promoting saliva production, a natural mouth cleanser. So, for kids who brush well twice daily and floss regularly, their breath should improve.
Good brushing and flossing routines early can help form lifelong habits for kids. Make it fun by integrating timers, games, rewards, etc. This can encourage consistency and make the process enjoyable for children.
While brushing and flossing do not completely cure bad breath, they help lower the severity in most cases. However, if your child continues to have persistent bad breath despite good dental hygiene practices, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as dry mouth, dietary factors, or other health conditions. In such cases, consulting a pediatric dentist or healthcare professional for orthodontic treatments is recommended to identify and address the root cause.
Can Mouthwash Cure Halitosis in Kids?
Mouthwash, while not a standalone solution for halitosis in children, complements a good oral hygiene routine. Selecting an age-appropriate, alcohol-free mouthwash formula under adult supervision can enhance the efficacy of daily brushing and flossing.
For children under 6, an alcohol-free, natural mouthwash is best. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, essential oils, or coconut oil. Always use in moderation and t diluted in water.
Mouthwashes with the ADA seal of approval are good options for older children. Look for mild flavors and cleaning agents to wash away some bacteria.
Make sure kids rinse thoroughly and avoid swallowing, which can upset the stomach.
While not a complete remedy on its own, using mouthwash properly can freshen a child's smelly breath and make it more agreeable. When combined with regular brushing, flossing, dental visits, and addressing any underlying health issues, mouthwash can be a useful supplementary aid in fighting bad breath for kids.
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath in a Child?
Healthy teeth are integral to a child's overall health and well-being.
You can help your child avoid bad breath by cultivating an oral care routine tailored to your child's needs:
Ensure your child brushes twice a day with an ADA (American Dental Association)-accepted fluoride toothpaste to promote fresh breath. Always remember to supervise young children so they do not swallow the toothpaste.
When your child brushes their teeth, make sure they also clean the tongue, as bacteria can collect and grow on the tongue.
Floss daily to remove odor-causing bacteria and food debris from the teeth.
Remember to get a new toothbrush every few months because dull bristles cannot effectively remove plaque and debris from the teeth.
Make sure your child drinks enough water and eats breath-friendly foods like fruits and vegetables.
Avoid halitosis and other oral health concerns by scheduling regular checkups and professional cleanings with a dentist.
Chronic Bad Breath in Children
Most of the time, your child's bad breath will go away once you implement better oral hygiene. However, some children may experience persistent bad breath that necessitates the help of dental and health professionals to determine and treat the underlying causes of halitosis.
When to See a Dental Professional?
Here are some guidelines on when to see a dental professional about toddler bad breath:
Persistent bad breath: If a toddler has chronic bad breath that lasts for weeks or months despite good oral hygiene, check for underlying causes like tooth decay, gum disease, or an oral cavity.
Pain or changes in the mouth: Bad breath accompanied by mouth pain, swollen gums, sores, discoloured teeth, or other abnormalities should be examined. It could indicate an infection.
Systemic illness symptoms: Foul breath, along with fever, appetite changes, stomach pain, or other symptoms, may have a medical cause, such as respiratory illness or gastric reflux. Consult a pediatrician or dental professional.
Age 1 dental visit: The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend a child's first dental exam at age 1. This allows them to assess oral development and teach parents how to care for their emerging teeth.
Around age 3: Toddlers should have a dental visit around age 3, even without obvious problems. The dental professional can spot potential issues early, apply preventive sealants if needed, and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.
When it comes to bad breath in children, improper oral hygiene is usually the culprit. Regardless of the cause of bad breath, teaching children how to form good dental care habits at an early age can be vital for their oral health as adults. While bad breath in kids is normal, dental visits at recommended ages and whenever concerns arise can help keep their mouth development on track and treat more serious cases early. Do not hesitate to consult dental professionals as needed.
