What Every Parent Should Know About Bad Breath (Halitosis) In Children

Halitosis — more often simply called "bad breath" — is quite common in people of all ages. This problem can actually be a bit more prevalent in children for a number of reasons, not all of which have anything to do with the teeth. As a parent, here is what you need to know about the possible causes of bad breath in children.

Poor oral hygiene

Children often find it difficult to brush their teeth properly, and may even be a little lazy about taking care of their pearly whites. A build-up of plaque is the inevitable result. Calculus — a fancy name for calcified plaque — and a whitish layer on top of the tongue are also visible in the mouth in case a child's oral hygiene is not up to scratch.

The treatment here is very straightforward. Get scaling done to remove the plaque and tartar (once attached to the tooth, it will not come off with a brush!) and then teach the child about the basics of oral hygiene. You can ask your dentist to help out in this department! In younger children or those with special needs, parents must ensure proper brushing by supervising or taking over the child's oral hygiene.

Decayed teeth

Decayed teeth harbor an active bacterial population that contributes to the formation of sulfur-like compounds that emit a bad smell. Caries-ridden teeth are also more difficult to clean, which means that also decaying food particles are much more likely to get stuck on their surfaces. All of these factors contribute to the occurrence of halitosis in children.

Gum disease

Serious gum disease is rare in children, but gingival inflammation isn't. The presence of this inflammation leads to bleeding from the gums, which can make the child wary of brushing his or her teeth. The microbial population around the teeth also shifts to a disease-causing one in the presence of this inflammation and contributes to the occurrence of bad breath.

A dry mouth

Certain medications given to children in cases of allergies or other infections can have the side effect of reducing saliva formation in the mouth. In the absence of protective saliva, the bacteria which contribute to bad breath can grow uninhibited. This reduction in salivary flow is also the reason why bad breath may occur early in the morning.

Infection of the tonsils

Inflamed or infected tonsils will also lead to the bad breath in children. Tonsils have deep grooves that can be a perfect place for bacteria to accumulate and grow. Even food particles can get stuck in these grooves on occasion. Inflammation and infection of the tonsils are going to be associated with pain, discomfort in swallowing, trouble speaking, and fever.

Sinusitis

The mouth has openings into the nasal cavity and the ear, so an infection in either of the two areas can cause a disturbance in the oral cavity as well. A simple infection like the common cold, flu, or sinusitis can increase the amount of mucus being produced. This then drips down into the mouth and can even accumulate in the oral cavity. One of the many symptoms that will be seen in such a condition is bad breath.

Diet

A diet that is rich in garlic, onions, cheese, red meat, or fish can contribute to the occurrence of bad breath. These ingredients have been shown to be absorbed into the bloodstream and then break down into odor-producing molecules that are released slowly from the lungs after digestion.

How to prevent and treat bad breath in children

The dentist will examine the oral cavity and determine if there are any decayed teeth that need to be filled, any plaque that needs to be removed, or any orthodontic appliance that needs to be changed. The dentist can also take a detailed history to determine if some other cause outside of the oral cavity is the problem. If that is suspected, the child will be referred to the pediatrician for further examination.

Antibiotics to take care of sinusitis or a tonsil infection should end up providing relief from all the associated symptoms including bad breath. In some cases where tonsil infections become too frequent, the removal of the tonsils may be advised.

Preventing bad breath in children will include making them brush twice a day, limiting the use of ginger, garlic, or onions in their food, and making sure that they get a regular checkup at their dentist to prevent any major problems from developing.

Conclusion

Bad breath in children — or anyone for that matter — can be a cause for social embarrassment. This is also the reason why people hesitate before seeking medical help and try quick-fix methods at home. Ultimately, until the root cause of the problem is identified and solved, bad breath is not going to go away on its own. Take your child to see a dentist.