Bellingham Dentist

COVID-19 Update & Appointment Check-in Protocol – Read Details »

Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

Causes of Children’s Bad Breath

Did you notice a time you smelled your little child’s breath and it was terrible? You might suspect that it can be due to an assortment of things the child puts in his/her mouth from time to time. Nonetheless, you cannot be complacent especially when the odor is like that which you’ve never smelled before. Could it be oral hygiene? Nonetheless there can be other causes that need a different solution. Here are five surprising causes of bad breath in children and how to deal with them.

Sinus Infection

You might have your child complain about a stuffy nose or a sore throat. The child may have a sinus infection, the throat may be inflamed and a noticeable post nasal drip. Also, the child’s breath can smell really bad. This is something that tooth brushing or mouth washing cannot treat. It’s time to see the doctor and antibiotics may be prescribed.

Swollen Tonsils

If the child complains that the back of his mouth hurts or has difficulty swallowing, take a look at his tonsils. Do you see them swollen, red, inflamed, or have white spots? This could also cause bad breath. That’s because bacteria has collected in the pits of the swollen tonsils. Again, a trip to the doctor can fix the issue with a close examination and an antibiotic prescription.

Foreign Objects

Curious kids can easily get into trouble. There are times they’d like to stick in objects that fit inside their noses. It could be food, beads, beans, small toys, or other small objects. When an object gets lodged in a child’s nasal passages it can create a nasty smell. If you suspect so, then you’ll have to see the doctor who will help check your child’s nasal passages and remove the object.

Dry Mouth

Active children tend to run around and engage in tireless play. If you’ve got super active kids, be sure to always have them stay hydrated since they don’t care to remember to drink. If children play sports and they have a smelly breath, that means they don’t get enough water. Less hydrated kids will produce less saliva for washing away odor-causing bacteria. It can also lead to more cavities. Hence, lots of water.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Children can have odorous breath from a range of dental issues – decay from cavities, gum disease, mouth sores and other mouth infections. You can prevent them from spreading but tooth brushing and flossing cannot heal them. It’s time to bring your child to the dentist. You will certainly be advised by the dentist that after the appropriate treatment, the oral hygiene routine must be instilled and maintained.

Source

Children’s Oral Health

Whether if it’s bad breath, tooth aches or other dental issues, visit your Bellingham dentist to seek professional assistance and to maintain good oral health for your child and family.