What Causes Bad Breath in Kids
Bad Breath in Kids: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Noticing your child's breath doesn't smell great? While it can be concerning, bad breath in kids is usually harmless and temporary. Most of the time, it's caused by everyday things like what they ate or forgetting to brush their teeth properly.
What's going on?
Bad breath, or halitosis, happens when bacteria in your child's mouth break down food particles and produce smelly compounds. Just like adults, kids can develop bad breath for lots of reasons, and it's incredibly common.
The most frequent culprit is poor oral hygiene. When your child doesn't brush and floss well, food gets stuck between teeth and along the gum line. Bacteria feast on these leftovers, creating that unpleasant smell. Sometimes kids think they're brushing well but miss spots, especially those hard to reach back teeth.
Other everyday causes include eating strong foods like garlic or onions, having a dry mouth from breathing through their mouth at night, or even just being hungry. When kids go too long without eating, their bodies start breaking down stored fats, which can cause a fruity or acetone smell on their breath.
What you might notice
- Persistent bad smell coming from their mouth
- Strong odor even after brushing teeth
- Complaints from your child that their mouth tastes bad
- Other kids or family members commenting on the smell
- White or yellow coating on their tongue
- Red or swollen gums
What helps at home
Start with the basics: help your child brush their teeth twice a day for two full minutes, making sure they reach all surfaces of their teeth. Don't forget the tongue, where lots of bacteria like to hang out. Flossing daily removes food particles that brushing misses.
Keep your child hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day. This helps rinse away food particles and keeps their mouth moist. If they're old enough, they can swish water around their mouth after meals.
Watch what they eat. Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria in their mouth, while crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help clean teeth naturally. If your child breathes through their mouth at night, a humidifier in their room might help.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if bad breath comes with difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or if your child seems very sick.
See your doctor or text Arlo if the bad breath persists despite good oral hygiene, or if it's accompanied by fever, sore throat, or unusual tiredness. Sometimes bad breath can signal infections, sinus problems, or in rare cases, other medical conditions that need attention.
The takeaway
Most bad breath in kids is just part of growing up and learning good hygiene habits. With your help and patience, it usually clears up quickly.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Bad Breath in Children](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/badbreathin_children)
- [Oral Health for Children](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1112&language=english)
- [Dental Care for Your Child](https://ontario.ca/page/dental-care-your-child)