Help! My Child Has Bad Breath and Halitosis

As distressing as halitosis or bad breath can be for adults, the condition is often even more distressing for children and their parents. A number of factors can contribute to halitosis in children, specifically, thumb-sucking and constantly breathing through the mouth instead of breathing through a combination of the nose and mouth. Infections of the sinus and throat can also cause halitosis in infants and children, although these are less common reasons for bad breath.

In approximately 85 percent of all cases of halitosis in children in infants, the source of the bad breath lies in the oral cavity. Typically, specific bacteria are to blame, and these can be found between the teeth, below the gum line or on the back of the tongue. As the tongue sheds cells, these can remain on the back of the tongue, forming a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.

Most frequently, the cause of halitosis in children is post-nasal drip, usually caused by chronic sinus infections, allergies or common colds. Invariably, mucous secretions and other discharge can accumulate in the back of the throat or on the tongue, which can decompose and cause bad breath. When the child or infant is congested and must breathe through its mouth, dry mouth can result, causing halitosis.

It’s a good idea to establish habits of proper dental hygiene with your child at as early an age as possible. Parents can introduce a daily routine of using a toothbrush and baby toothpaste (fluoride-free) with the appearance of the first tooth. Children should be flossed daily as soon as two or more teeth touch each other, as plaque can develop between the teeth. Older children who wear braces or orthodontic devices such as retainers are subjected to potential halitosis from improper cleaning and oral care. Be sure to browse through Dr. Katz’s extensive line of oral care products designed to prevent and treat halitosis in children.