Bad Breath In Children: Causes, Treatment, And Home Remedies

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儿童口臭或口臭是常见的。它can originate from oral and non-oral sources; 87% of cases arise from an oral source, and 13% from non-oral sources(1).

Bad breath is alike in children and adults when they wake up in the morning because of increased bacterial activity in the mouth. However, morning breath is temporary and goes away after brushing the teeth and rinsing the mouth(2). If the child complains of bad odor at other times and when it is a persistent problem, you should bring it to the healthcare professional’s notice. Read this post to learn about the causes, treatment, prevention, and home remedies of bad breath in children.

Causes Of Bad Breath In Children

The following are some probable causes of bad breath in children(1)(2)(3):

1. Poor oral hygiene

Certain areas in the mouth, such as pits and grooves on the surface of teeth, areas between teeth and gums, or on the pores of the tongue, get trapped with food particles. The bacteria in the mouth degrade protein materials from these food remnants producing amino acids and offensive gases.

2. Decayed teeth

Tooth decay promotes an environment for bacterial growth, and the accumulation of food in these cavities leads to a foul smell from the mouth.

3. Dental abscess

There might be pus discharge from anabscessed tooth. Pus may lead to a foul smell from the oral cavity.

4. Periodontal diseases

Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition of the gums that may lead to smelly mouth in children. Plaque build-up is the main cause of gum disease. Improper removal of dental plaque may lead to a foul smell from the mouth.

5. Mouth breathing

Due to mouth breathing, the saliva may evaporate, and there is a loss of washing and self-cleansing action of the saliva. As a result, it increases microbial growth and causes a bad smell from the mouth.

6. Dry mouth

Dehydration, some salivary gland diseases, or certain medicines may reduce salivary production and bad breath.

7. Malocclusion

Malocclusion is characterized by crooked, crowded, protruding, or malpositioned teeth.Maintaining hygieneis more difficult for these teeth, and food particles might get stuck between the teeth. In addition, it leads to increased microbial growth and results in a bad smell from the mouth.

8. Orthodontic appliances

Improper cleaning of appliancessuch as braces, orthodontic retainers, space maintainers, or athletic mouth guards may lead to a build-up of odor-causing bacteria on the appliance and in the mouth.

9. Poor dental fillings

Improperly done amalgam or composite restorations cannot be cleaned well by a toothbrush or floss, especially in the interdental areas. It may lead to food impaction and a bad smell from the mouth.

10. Foreign body in the nose

Foreign bodies such as peas, beans, or small parts of toys stuck in the nose may lead to infection and bad breath.

11. Tonsils

Infectedtonsils in childrenhave a cauliflower-like appearance, and there may be food lodgement occurring in the grooves that appear on its surface. In addition, it may lead to bad breath in children.

12. Medical conditions

Certain health complications such asmouth sores, asthma, enlargedadenoidsⁱXA patch of tissue behind the nasal cavity that forms a part of the lymphatic system, diabetes, kidney failure, liver problems, or oral cancer may cause foul oral smell.

13. Infections

In children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, fungal infections may occur and can lead to bad breath. In addition, a sinus infection or a stomach infection may also cause bad breath.

14.某些药物

Certain drugs for treating allergies, insomnia, and mental disorders,such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, and phenothiazines lead to a reduction in salivary production. As a result, it leads to foul oral odor. Likewise, unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics reduces oral bacterial load and results in fungal infections and foul odor.

15. Dietary changes

Some food items such as garlic, onions, or other spices have a strong smell. After digestion and absorption of these food items, the strong-smelling molecules enter the bloodstream and exhale from the lungs while breathing, causing bad breath.

16. Smoking

Smoking affectsthe composition of bacteria in the plaque, leading to a foul smell.

Home Remedies And Prevention Of Bad Breath In Children

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are required to establish optimum dental health. They prevent bad breath in children. Start brushing the child’s teeth when the first tooth appears to make them used to brushing. Use a soft baby toothbrush. Apart from them, the following measures can help minimize bad odor from the oral cavity(4)(5)(6).

1. Amplehydrationhelps flush oral debris and thereby prevents bad breath.

2. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), replace the toothbrush once in two to three months or sooner if the bristles look worn out(7).

3. Clean the child’s tongue gently using atongue scraper or cleaner.

4. Use commercially availablekid-friendly mouthwashes, or you may make them at home by mixing one cup water, one teaspoon of baking soda, and a drop of peppermint oil. Ensure the child does not swallow the mouthwash.

5. Consumingsalads and fresh fruitsinhibit bad breath and aid in self-cleansing.

6. Chewing on a sprig of parsley, mint, or herbs such as basil may help neutralize bad breath.

7. Use a humidifier to helppreventnasal and oral drynessin the child’s room.

8. Cut downcaffeinated and sugarydrinks, such as coke and coffee.

9. Remove the removableorthodontic appliancesevery day and clean them well per your pediatric dentist’s instructions.

Treatment For Bad Breath In Children

The following treatment plans may be suggested depending on the underlying cause.

• Get the recommendedregular dentalscalingⁱXA dental procedure involving the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth and below the gumlineonce every six months.

• If the child is experiencing symptoms of gingivitis such as swollen or bleeding gums along with bad breath,an additional session ofscaling androot planingⁱXA restorative procedure to prevent dental damage by smoothing of roots of teeth and helping gums reattachcan help get rid of the problem.

• If the child has cavities or other improper dental fillings, get properfillingsfor your child.

• If your child exhibits mouth breathing, get them examined by anotolaryngologistⁱXA doctor who specializes in ears, nose, throat, head, and neckto rule outenlarged adenoids or infected tonsils. Seek the doctor’s guidance if surgical removal is recommended(6).

• If the child seems dehydrated,ensure immediate medical attention. You can read more about dehydration in children

• Consult an orthodontist if you think your child hasmisaligned teethand associated bad breath.

• If you noticepus discharge from thenose, contact emergency medical care.

• If the child exhibits any signs of infection, complete the entire course ofantibiotic treatmentas advised by the doctor.

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