Causes for Bad Breath in Children

Posted on 3/22/2021 by Fariba Mutschler

Bad breath, also known is halitosis, is a common condition that often affects both children and adults alike. Bad breath can affect children and adults from time to time, especially as the first thing in the morning or after the person has had smelly foods like garlic or onion. While bad breath is considered a normal human reaction, it is best to know the factors that can further influence it in children.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Parents have nothing to worry about if their child suffers from bad breath occasionally. However, the problem shouldn't become a constant, leading to persistent bad smell from the mouth. Some of the common reasons behind this include:

Poor Hygiene and Cavities

When your child doesn't develop flossing and brushing habits at an early age, food particles can get stuck in their teeth, and bacteria can start to grow. The bacteria eventually lead to plaque buildup, which is responsible for cavities and bad breath.

Dry mouth and mouth breathing

Kids with a habit of breathing through their mouth, especially when they are sleeping or when they have a stuffy nose, generally suffer from bad breath. Breathing through the mouth hinders kids from generating saliva. Saliva is necessary for washing bacteria away.

Mouth Sores and Other Infections

Certain illnesses in children, especially those related to sinus, throat infections and the upper respiratory area in general can lead to bad breath in children. Such illnesses and infections often lead to nasal congestion, which results in breathing through the mouth. The constant bad breath can stop or die down once the infection goes away or the sore clear up.

If your child's bad breath persists for a few days continuous, you should visit an expert for an opinion. If you're looking for a consultation, you can visit us at Great Grins for KIDS - Portland or call us at (971) 470-0054.

My daughter was a little nervous to have her dental work done but everyone in the office was super friendly and very reassuring and that helped her nervousness go away. Thanks for the excellent dental experience. ~ Lilyana G.

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Our Dental Blog | Great Grins Pediatric Dentistry - Portland, OR
Dr. Fariba Mutschler & Dr. Mark Mutschler have created this informative blog to help educate the community. If you like an article or the dental blog in general please use the share it button to post to Facebook, Twitter, or Google+.
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