Bad breath is an embarrassing problem that may lead to anxiety and social withdrawal. According to Dr. Daniel Ravel, a pediatric dentist, bad breath originates from the mouth in as many as 85 percent of cases. Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad breath in children. Inadequate brushing and flossing fail to remove food from between the teeth, where it decomposes with the help of bacteria and produces a sulfur gas. Most cases of bad breath in children are treatable at home. Bad breath that fails to respond to improved oral hygiene and lifestyle changes requires professional evaluation to rule out a potentially serious medical cause.
Step 1
Brush three times per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food from on and between the teeth and to control plaque build-up. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a new toothbrush every three to four months.
Step 2
Floss at least once per day to remove trapped food and other particles from between the teeth. Children under the age of 8 years may be unable to floss correctly without parental assistance.
Step 3
Use disclosing tablets to highlight plaque build-up on the teeth and make brushing easier. These tablets use a harmless dye to stain plaque and will allow you to monitor the thoroughness of your child's brushing. They are available in most pharmacies or from your child's dentist.
Step 4
Give your child sugar-free gum for bad breath caused by mouth breathing, a condition that often accompanies colds and sinus problems. Mouth breathing dries out the mouth and can cause or contribute to bad breath. Chewing gum stimulates saliva production in the mouth to keep the oral cavity moist and clean.
Step 5
Scrape the tongue with a tongue scraper to remove any coating and to dislodge food particles and help control bacteria growth. Tongue scrapers are available in many sizes and styles.
Step 6
Rinse after brushing with a mouthwash to kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath. Children should not use mouthwashes containing alcohol, as these products can cause oral dryness and can be toxic when ingested in large amounts. Mouthwash is only a temporary fix for bad breath in children, explains the Nemours Foundation.
Step 7
Treat postnasal drip caused by allergies or viral infections with over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants and saline nasal washes. Elevating the head of your child's bed and using a humidifier in his room at night may also be helpful. Postnasal drip is a common cause of bad breath in children.
Step 8
Change your child's diet. Foods like garlic, onion, orange juice, pastrami, soda and some spices contribute to bad breath, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. A diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in meat may also be beneficial.
Tips and Warnings
- Bad breath in the morning is typically normally and results from the cessation of salivary flow during the night. Dry mouth and bad breath may be a sign of dehydration in children, according to the University of California, San Diego. Have your child drink plenty of water and other liquids throughout the day.
- A number of potentially serious medical conditions can cause bad breath, including diabetes, stomach infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, oral fungal infections, tooth abscesses or cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, liver problems, some medications and kidney failure. In some cases, bad breath in children may result from a foreign body up the nose. The object can block the nasal passage, become infected and cause odor. Remove the foreign object if you can clearly see and easily reach it. If not, consult a doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
- Dental floss
- Disclosing tablets
- Sugar-free gum
- Tongue scraper
- Mouthwash
- Over-the-counter antihistamines
- Saline nasal wash
- Humidifier
