Bad breath, also known as halitosis, usually results from poor oral hygiene practices, dehydration, or eating stinky foods. However, there are some surprising reasons your child’s breath may literally blow you away. Talk to your trusted team at Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry about ways to restore your little one’s fresh, clean, and healthy smile!

Surprising Causes of Bad Breath in Children

Here are some surprising causes of children’s bad breath:

Sinus Infections: Sinus infections can cause mucus to drip down your little one’s nasal passages to the back of the throat and tongue, providing a perfect habitat for bacteria to flourish. That results in stinky breath that won’t go away by teeth brushing and mouthwash alone. The infection needs treatment for halitosis relief.

Objects Stuck in the Nose: Kids are curious creatures and don’t always make the best decisions. They seem to love to stick food or small objects in their nostrils. That causes nasal secretion, inflammation, and an unpleasant odor that can be mistaken for bad breath. If you suspect that your little one has an object lodged in one of the nostrils, seek medical attention right away, especially if there’s dark green mucus or if your child has a fever.

Problems with Tonsils: Unlike healthy tonsils that are pink and spot-free, infected ones are red and inflamed. They may also have white spots and can smell terrible. Another problem caused by tonsils is that they sometimes develop tiny stones called tonsilloliths. When these tonsil stones decompose, they give off a very unpleasant odor. If you suspect tonsil problems, make sure to visit your child’s pediatrician.

Dry Mouth: Xerostomia, the fancy name for dry mouth, can happen due to dehydration, mouth breathing, some medical conditions, or certain medications. When there isn’t enough saliva produced to wash away bacteria and food particles, they linger in the mouth and begin to break down and emit an unpleasant odor. If the bad breath persists, you may want to visit your child’s pediatrician to rule out medical conditions or medications that could be causing the dry mouth.

Dental Disease: Brushing and flossing alone can’t get rid of the foul odor produced by having tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infections. Your trusted team at Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry will determine and treat the condition to eliminate the bad breath and restore your child’s healthy smile. 

Preventing and Treating Bad Breath in Children 

The best way to prevent bad breath is to encourage kids to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Remind your child to clean the tongue, which can easily trap odor-causing bacteria. If the bad breath persists, make sure to contact our office for an evaluation. We may recommend a visit to your child’s pediatrician, if needed, to rule out any underlying health concerns that may be causing the bad breath.

Quality Preventive Dentistry in Glendale, AZ

Contact Smile Explorers Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping bad breath at bay. Our team is proud to offer quality preventive services designed to maintain clean, healthy, and odor-free smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!