How do Kids get Bad Breath?

Have you noticed that your kids have constant bad breath? Are you unsure as to why and what is causing them to have bad breath? There are a few things that may be causing this, from if they’re brushing properly to the possibility of some type of oral disease/infection. We’ve listed below some of the main reasons as to why kids could get bad breath.

Sinus Infection: If your kid is experiencing a runny nose or a sore throat it could mean that they have some type of sinus infection. Anytime there is a sinus problem is could result in fluid collecting in the nasal passage and throat which could then make the area a place for bacteria to collect. When this happens, brushing and using a mouthwash won’t help. If your kid has any of the following symptoms it would be advisable to contact their doctor. Symptoms like a probable sore throat or a burning sensation in their nasal passage or post nasal drip can all be signs of a sinus infection.

Foreign Objects: Does your kid like to play with random objects? Do they try and put things in their nose? If so, there’s a slight chance that they could have gotten something small stuck up their nose such as a small part of a toy or a piece of food. If this is actually the case, then it could create a bad odor and it could be a reason your kid has bad breath.

Swollen Tonsils: Have you noticed that your kid has red and inflamed tonsils with white spots? This could be a sign of swollen tonsils, as normal tonsils should be spot free and pink in color. When the tonsils are swollen, bacteria can collect in the grooves which can then cause bad breath.

Dry Mouth: Are your kids very active? Do they have a problem with staying hydrated? If this is the case then it could cause dry mouth which could eventually lead to bad breath. It is important that your kids stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water especially if they are active in sports otherwise their mouth won’t produce enough saliva, which helps clean the mouth and wash away food particles. Not having enough fluids in your mouth is what can cause bad breath with kids, especially those who are active.

Tooth Decay & Gum Disease: Bad breath in kids can also be caused by things such as cavities, a gum disease or an infection in the mouth. The best way to prevent this is to make sure that your kid is taking care of their oral health by following proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, rinsing and most importantly, going to get their teeth cleaned regularly.

If your kid has bad breath, make sure that you schedule them to see an oral care specialist as soon as possible, so you can find out the reason for their bad breath. Bad breath can be prevented and treated so just ask your oral care specialist how!