Halitosis or bad breath in children: is it normal?
When your child’s mouth gives off a constant unpleasant odor, it can be a sign of oral, respiratory or stomach problems. No one knows your children better than you.
That’s why you are the right person to assess whether the bad breath you have detected lately is one-time or persists over time.
If it does not disappear, it could be a case of childhood halitosis; a disease that may indicate that there is another problem and we should take care of it as soon as possible.
What is halitosis?
Halitosis is defined as an unpleasant and persistent odor in the breath that can be caused by different types of oral problems or poor dental hygiene.
In both cases, what causes the bad smell are the so-called volatile sulfur compounds, gases that are produced during the metabolism of certain bacteria in our mouth.
We all produce these gases in our mouths, the problem arises when we do so in too high a quantity.
What causes bad breath in children?
In both children and adults, 90% of cases of bad breath originate in the mouth and are associated with so-called lingual coating (bacteria on the back of the tongue) and gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis); while the remaining 10% may be nasopharyngeal, gastric or systemic, caused by diabetes, liver or lung diseases.
In the specific case of halitosis in children, it is more common for it to be due to problems of oral and nasal origin, such as:
##BULLET##Caries, gingivitis, runny nose, inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids (vegetations).
##BULLET##It can also be due to poor oral hygiene.
##BULLET##The existence of an intranasal foreign body can also cause halitosis.
##BULLET##Tobacco doesn’t help either: And you’ll think, but what if he’s a child and he doesn’t smoke!
Well, halitosis has also been detected in passive smokers.
##BULLET##Gastric problems are not usually a common cause of halitosis in children, but they may be related.
Tips for ending childhood halitosis It is important to make it clear that bad breath does not last forever; once its origin is analyzed and treated, it can be solved quickly.
Therefore, the first thing to do is go to the dentist to find out what is causing it.
With a clinical examination, you can find out if bad breath comes from an accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, periodontal disease or cavities, or if all of these aspects are not present, the dentist will recommend that you see a digestive system professional to find the origin of the halitosis.
And although only with a professional diagnosis will you be able to act directly on the cause, it is essential to take thorough care of the child’s hygiene and mouth:
##BULLET##Toothbrush.
At least twice a day, with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.
Remember that the youngest children cannot brush their teeth properly on their own until approximately the age of 7. Parents should be responsible for brushing their teeth, as they do not yet have the necessary motor skills, and from this age on, they should supervise nighttime brushing until adolescence.
##BULLET##Dental floss.
Once a day.
Between 18 and 24 months we can start flossing our children.
##BULLET##Cleaning the tongue.
It is in the back where most of the bacteria that cause halitosis are located.
The tongue must be included in the two daily brushings, either with a toothbrush or with a tongue scraper.
##BULLET##Col·lutoris.
It should only be used by children who know how to spit.
##BULLET##Orthodontic appliances.
If the child wears removable orthodontics, the appliances should be removed and cleaned carefully at least once a day.
It is also recommended:
##BULLET##A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding foods that produce bad breath, such as garlic, onions, and also sweets and carbonated drinks.
##BULLET##Increase water consumption.
Oral hygiene in children begins even before the first teeth appear.
It is essential to take care of it and teach it how to do so, to prevent bacteria from proliferating, plaque from developing or infections from appearing in its mouth.
And if, despite everything, we detect that you have bad breath, and it persists, do not hesitate to consult your dentist to find a solution.