1st Health Care News

Does your child suffer from halitosis? Bad breath in children is not a common complaint, but according to some anecdotal medical reports, it has is becoming more common. Chalk this up to the foods kids eat this day, or the growing prevalence of airborne particulates that are producing more respiratory problems in today’s children.

Halitosis in Children – When Bad Breath Comes to Your Little One

Although bad breath in children is not very common, it is becoming more common. If you notice that your child is suffering from halitosis on a regular basis, the first thing you should do is to try to uncover the root of the problem. A child’s bad breath can be caused by any number of things. These include food choices, dental issues, or an underlying medical problem. As you begin to investigate the source of your child’s bad breath, you should also take note of how long your child has been suffering from bad breath. Is it a relatively recent problem, or is it a long-standing chronic condition?

What Could Be Causing Your Child’s Bad Breath?

There are many potential causes for bad breath, which makes it that much more difficult to pinpoint the real cause. In general, there are five basic causes for cases of bad breath. The first and most obvious reason why your child may suffer from bad breath is eating foods that are particularly pungent, such as those common culprits garlic and onion. Another very common reason for bad breath is lack of saliva flow at night. This is the culprit when it comes to morning breath. Another common cause for bad breath is bad dental hygiene. Poor dental care in general has been known to cause bad breath. In children, one of the most common causes for bad breath is sucking a child sucking on their thumb. In other cases, the culprit may be an underlying medical condition, such as sinus infection or tooth decay.

How Can You Help Your Child Battle Bad Breath?

There are many things you can do to help your child battle bad breath. The first step is to make sure that your child is practicing good oral hygiene. This includes making sure that they are brushing properly and thoroughly. Most dentists advise that your child brushes for a full two minutes at least twice a day. Use a fruit-flavored toothpaste to make brushing a pleasant part of their oral hygiene routine. Make sure that your child brushes the surface of their tongue as well. Also, make sure that your child visits a dentist regularly. Often, bad breath is caused by such underlying dental problems as cavities. In many cases, your child’s bad breath can be prompted by your child sucking his or her thumb or some other object such as a toy or blanket. Most of the time, the problem can be resolved simply by stopping this habit. However, if your child is over 4 years old and still sucking on their thumb or on a favorite object, consult your doctor to find ways to discourage this habit, as it can cause more serious problems later on.