Reasons for Bad Breath in Kids

Overview

We think of children as having sweet smelling breath, but sometimes even toddlers can have smelly breath. Most cases of bad breath in children result from simple-to-resolve issues, such as dental hygiene, but bad breath can indicate a more serious problem. If bad breath does not seem to have a straightforward cause, talk with your child's pediatrician or dentist.

Poor Dental Hygiene

One of the most common causes of bad breath in kids is poor dental hygiene. Gum disease is possible though not as common in children as in adults. Your child may need help brushing and flossing if he is younger, or regular reminders to do so if he is older. Flavored floss and a rotary tooth brush will make brushing more enjoyable and effective. Teach your child to brush her tongue as well as her teeth. Do not give young children mouthwash or fluoride toothpastes or rinses, which can be harmful when swallowed. Avoid breath mints which usually contain sugar and encourage bacterial growth.

Dry Mouth

During the day, our saliva washes away most debris and bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath. At night, we produce less saliva and swallow less frequently. Consequently, odor-causing bacteria builds up, leading to morning breath. Any time your child breathes through her mouth, such as when her nose is congested, it can lead to a dry mouth and bad breath. Dry mouth can also be caused by thumb sucking, chewing or sucking on a blanket or by certain medications. Sugar-free gum or sour candies encourage saliva production.

Nasal Issues

If your child has an infection or congestion in the sinuses or nasal cavities, the post nasal drip can lead to bad breath. If your child has stuck something up his nose, that can lead to an infection which causes bad breath as well as a smelly discharge and odor emanating from the nose.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can cause bad breath in children, especially if food gets caught in the crevices of the tonsils. If the tonsils have pockets of infection which open and begin to drain, the resulting products of infection can lead to bad breath. If your child has bad breath along with other symptoms of an illness, a visit to the pediatrician is in order.

Diabetes

Breath that smells like acetone is a symptom of diabetes. Breath that smells like acetone can also occur if your child has ingested alcohol, salicylates, acetone or phenol. If your child has breath that smells like acetone, contact your pediatrician or poison control center immediately.

Unusual Odors

Bad breath usually smells like bad breath. But if your child's breath has an unusual odor, the smell of violets, ammonia, celery, bitter almonds or dead fish, for example, it can indicate a serious medical condition. If you have questions about bad breath in your child, contact your child's pediatrician or dentist, immediately if the breath has an unusual odor.