Bad breath isn’t just an adult problem. It can happen to kids too, and it’s not something they can always manage on their own. Most of the time, they don’t even notice it’s an issue until someone else points it out.
Hearing about it from a friend or classmate can lead to some pretty awkward and embarrassing moments. For kids, experiences like these can really stick with them and chip away at their confidence.
While occasional bad breath is normal, if it lingers, it could be a sign of something more serious. If your child has bad breath that won’t go away, here are some steps you can take to help eliminate it.
Brush and Floss Regularly
I know this sounds like a classic dentist’s response, but the truth is, parents often are not aware that their child isn’t brushing properly or for long enough!
Many parents have reported that the breath issues were resolved once they started checking to see that their child had done a thorough job with their toothbrush!
If your child isn’t brushing and flossing properly, food particles and bacteria can build up in their mouth and lead to persistent odor.
Additionally, your child can develop cavities without proper oral hygiene. Cavities are essentially decaying tooth structure, which definitely contributes to bad breath! Ensure your child visits their pediatric dentist twice a year for cavity checks and deep cleanings!
Read more: The 5 Most Common Causes of Cavities in Children
Food is one of the biggest culprits behind bad breath, especially strong-smelling ingredients like garlic and onions. If your child’s breath isn’t smelling fresh, first think about what they’ve eaten.
Those odors can sometimes linger for a day or two, even after brushing, until the food fully leaves the body.
So it’s important to really make sure your child brushes their teeth thoroughly at least twice a day and flosses once daily.
If they’re old enough, an alcohol-free mouthwash like the ACT brand can also help keep their breath fresh.
Clean the Tongue
If your child’s bad breath sticks around even after brushing and flossing, the problem might be bacteria on their tongue. These bacteria are often the source of unpleasant odors.
The tongue’s tiny bumps and grooves can trap food particles, dead cells, and bacteria. As these bacteria break things down, they release smelly sulfur compounds—hello, bad breath!
Add tongue cleaning to their routine. A tongue scraper works great for removing odor-causing bacteria, but if you don’t have one, gently brushing the tongue with a toothbrush can do the trick. Just remind your child to be gentle since the tongue can be sensitive.
Read more: Why Your Child’s Tongue Needs Cleaning Too
Mouth Breathing
Breathing through your mouth consistently, instead of breathing through your nose, is one of the most common causes of bad breath.
When your mouth is open for most of the day/night, your saliva, which is a protective buffer against odor-causing bacteria, dries out.
Mouth breathing has many causes, and we can help determine why it’s happening and how to help correct it.
Sinus Drips and Frequent Congestion
Post nasal drip is also one of the most common causes of bad breath. When your sinuses are draining, it is usually because they are fighting an infection or illness.
When you’re congested, you often breathe through your mouth, which then causes one to smell the bad breath caused by the sinus drip. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if sinus issues are happening regularly.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, which is often silent in children, can tinge your child’s breath with an acidic odor. Talk to your child’s pediatrician to rule out this issue.
Keep Your Child Hydrated
Bad breath can sometimes be a sign that your child has a dry mouth. When there isn’t enough saliva, it becomes harder to wash away food particles and bacteria, which can cause their breath to smell bad.
Watch for other signs like cracked lips or a sore throat—these could also point to dry mouth. While dry mouth can have various causes, one of the most common is simply not drinking enough water. Kids often get so busy that they forget to stay hydrated.
If you think your child isn’t drinking enough, encourage them to take regular sips of water throughout the day.
Read more: How Dry Mouth Can Affect Your Child’s Dental Health
Talk to Your Pediatric Dentist
If you’ve tried the steps above and your child’s bad breath still lingers, it might be time to consult your pediatric dentist.
They can identify any underlying health issues that might be causing the problem and perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which could contribute to the odor.
Bad breath in children can be traced back to gum disease, oral infections, or habits like mouth breathing. Breathing through the mouth can cause dryness, which makes bad breath more likely.
Certain medications, like those for asthma or allergies, can also dry out the mouth and cause unpleasant odors.
If the dentist suspects the issue stems from other medical conditions, such as sinus problems or acid reflux, they can refer you to a doctor for further evaluation.
Persistent bad breath is frustrating for both you and your child. If you’re concerned or unsure about what’s causing it, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your pediatric dentist.
If you have any questions or need to schedule a visit, feel free to contact us at Lafayette Pediatric Dentistry.
We proudly provide dental care for kids in Lafayette and the surrounding areas and are here to help your child stay healthy and confident!