If your child has chronic bad breath, or halitosis, you may be concerned about their oral hygiene. Learning about the causes, prevention tips, and treatments for this condition will help you keep it under control. The following guide will explain what you should know.

What Causes Halitosis?

Halitosis is caused by decaying food and bacteria in your child’s mouth, which should be removed with twice-daily brushing and flossing. If it continues, there may have been a lapse in oral hygiene that has allowed a buildup of plaque.

Excess plaque can build up and form tartar. This condition can irritate gums and possibly lead to gum disease, an infection in the gum tissue, which can also contribute to foul breath.

Dry mouth — which can be caused by salivary gland dysfunction or is a side effect of medicines like antihistamines — can also lead to excessive bacteria and bad breath.

How Can You Prevent It?

The best prevention is thorough oral care: brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups. Supervise your child’s oral hygiene routine to look for potential issues. If they were skipping dental cleaning before or aren’t being thorough, that could be the culprit.

Limit their intake of sugars, starches, and acids, which can damage teeth and promote bacteria growth. Check the side effects of their medicines for dry mouth and ask their physicians about alternatives that don’t cause this issue. They can also try lubricating mouthwashes and drinking lots of water.

If at-home changes don’t alleviate the issue after two weeks — or if your child complains of tooth or gum pain — you should take them to a trusted family dentistry office for a checkup.

If you’re concerned about your child’s bad breath, contact the family dentistry team at the office of J. David Fisher, Jr., DDS in Sanford, NC.  With over 40 years’ experience, they’ll ensure you and your child receive expert oral hygiene tips and attentive examinations. This team goes the extra mile to provide excellent service, such as coming in after hours for emergencies, offering same-day CEREC crowns, and incorporating innovative treatments like laser dentistry. Learn more about their preventative services online, and call (919) 776-0741 for an appointment.