Halitosis happens to us all.

When you have children, the chances are pretty high that they are eventually going to end up with some bad breath. You go in for a hug and get an overwhelming whiff of their lunch or just a horrific smell that leaves you reeling. If and when this happens, don’t panic—it happens to us all, and it’s typically an easy thing to fix. We here at Must Love Kids are here every step of the way to maintain that little smile!

Identifying the Causes of Bad Breath in Children

There are multiple causes for bad breath in children. More often than not, you can trace it to poor oral hygiene, dental issues, or dietary factors. When you notice that stench, take a step back and check those three factors before making your next move. After all, the fix might be as easy as helping your kiddo brush their back teeth a little better.

Simple Steps To Address and Prevent Bad Breath

Without further ado, here are some simple things you can try at home to alleviate your child’s bad breath. Go ahead and grab the ABCs of oral health and let’s get to work!

Maintain good, consistent oral hygiene.

Trying to get a child to do anything consistently can be harder than we’d like to admit. Those daily routines sometimes seem as though they’re never going to stick! But if you are consistent, one day it will click. This is one of the reasons why it is important to keep an eye on your child’s oral hygiene routine. It’s not uncommon for kids to rush the process to get back to a game or TV show or even skip it altogether.

If this is a problem for your child, try making toothbrushing a family event. Do it with them, helping them floss properly and brush well those areas that they might forget like the tongue and the back molars.

Encourage hydration.

Did you know that hydration can combat bad breath? Drinking water helps flush away hidden bacteria, which can drastically decrease halitosis. But that’s not the only thing water does for the mouth. Remaining hydrated also helps your child’s body produce enough saliva. This also works by whisking away that hidden bacteria and returning the oral pH to where it should be.

Schedule a dental checkup.

Remember, it never hurts to give your child’s dentist a call. We can rule out any underlying dental issues that might be contributing to your child’s bad breath. While we have you in the office, we can also help troubleshoot your child’s oral care routine. It’s always better to check than wish you had!

Watch their diet and snacking habits.

When you’re fighting bad breath, keep an eye on that snacking. Do your best to limit your child’s sugar intake. All of that sugar adheres to the teeth and feeds the bacteria that love to eat away the enamel.

It never hurts to watch out for odorous foods as well. If your child’s breath seems to smell like garlic, you might want to check on their last meal. If the bad breath attacks after lunch at school and your child is unable to brush before their next class starts, see if packing them some sugar-free gum can help them out until they get home.

When To Seek Professional Advice for Your Child’s Halitosis

It can be hard to know when to contact a professional about something like bad breath. But the general rule is simple: If you aren’t sure what is going on or the simple fixes such as adjusting the oral-care routine or upping the water intake don’t seem to be working, go ahead and give us a call. Having that professional guidance can make a world of difference, and it will help you feel better to rule out any potential oral health issues.

Simple changes make a big difference.

If your child’s breath makes you screw up your face in horror, it’s time to check into their oral-care routine. Helping them learn to spend time on their oral hygiene can really help them in the long run. Don’t worry, these habits will stick with them for a lifetime—even if it doesn’t seem like it at the moment. 

Try to limit their sugary treats and get just a little more water into them. Their entire body will thank you. Sometimes simple adjustments are enough to conquer bad breath, but if it doesn’t seem to be going away, go ahead and schedule an appointment. We are always here to help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy!