You love your kids, but when their breath is terrible, it can make it difficult to laugh, talk, and cuddle with them. Fortunately, by recognizing the causes of bad breath early and getting help from a dentist, you can prevent ongoing issues. Here are three common causes of bad breath in kids, and how to curb the problem. 

Culprits of Bad Breath in Children

1. Mouth Breathing 

Saliva rinses away food particles and neutralizes plaque acids, which is why it can be a problem if your child breathes through their mouth. If your little one is a mouth breather, it can dry out the mouth, contributing to bad breath, dental decay, and even gum disease. Talk with a dentist about your child’s mouth breathing habit to try to find the cause behind the condition. Sometimes, kids who breathe through their mouths can’t breathe well through their noses, or may need a mouth guard to help them overnight. 

2. Illness

Children can also develop bad breath when they become sick, since some illnesses like colds can cause problems like post-nasal drip. Although rare, childhood gingivitis can also make a child’s breath smell bad, so be on the lookout for symptoms like swollen, inflamed gum tissue. 

3. Poor Daily Oral Care

When kids fail to brush and floss properly, it can allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate on their teeth, paving the way for bad breath. Since oral bacteria emit volatile organic compounds that impact the breath, it is always a good idea to brush and floss with small children to ensure the job is being done thoroughly. 

Whether you suspect that your child is dealing with an undiagnosed dental condition or you know they are due for a cleaning, turn to Bert E. Bathiany IV, DMD in Ft. Thomas, KY. As a pediatric dentist with a commitment to making dentistry comfortable and fun, this experienced professional can help you and your family to enjoy better dental care. To find out more about this dentist’s practice, visit his website or call (859) 525-2100.