Conditions - Bad Breath (Halitosis)

halitosis Usually bad breath in kids is not a sign of any gastrointestinal problems. Bad breath in children is directly related to what is going on in their mouth.

So what causes bad breath in children? Here are the top reasons:

1) Certain foods and drinks can cause temporary bad breath. Most kids don't (voluntarily) eat foods with garlic or onions, so the most likely culprits would be soda pop, candy, juice or cheese.

2) Most kids do not have the coordination (let alone the motivation) to brush or floss properly until they reach the age of eight. Help them brush and floss once a day.

3) Gingivitis. Just because children are young, doesn't mean they are immune to this form of gum disease. The remedy - brushing and flossing. The best way is to lead by example. If you expect your kids to have good oral hygiene habits, you need to be sure to do the same (plus your dentist will be delighted).

4) Dry mouth can cause bad breath of epic proportions. If your child has a stuffy head or allergies, they will most likely wake up with breath that could wake the dead!

5) Unusual events. A young child may have bad breath due to a highly unusual act such as stuffing objects up their nose (yes, it does happen).

6) Orthodontic patients. While the bands and brackets associated with braces do not directly contribute to any odors in the mouth, the bacteria that can hide out in them can. When your child is in orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is even more important. Superfloss/Floss threaders come in pretty handy when trying to keep the area between the teeth and around the gums clean. Excellent oral hygiene while in orthodontic treatment is critical.

7) Rarely is bad breath related to serious illness. If your child's breath is a concern for you, let us know at their next visit to our office. If you are worried about embarrassing your child, give one of us a note and we'll be sure to give you some recommendations.

As you can see, bad breath for children is somewhat a part of childhood. It can also be a signal of poor oral hygiene. If you have specific questions about your child's oral health, or bad breath, feel free to call our office, or ask us at your child's next dental visit.

© Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and Paul A Weiss, DDS. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.