Having your kids brush their teeth before they go to bed each night it a great way to start introducing good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day is good for developing teeth and helps bad breath. Bad breath isn’t always because of oral health issues. Here are a few surprising reasons for bad breath in children.
Sinus Infection
Have any of your kids complained about a stuffy nose or a sore throat lately? It may be caused by a sinus infection. Sinus fluid collects in nasal and throat passages. Stinky breath can occur because of this and cannot be cured with a toothbrush alone. Call your doctor for a visit and see if any antibiotics could be prescribed to fight off the infection.
Swollen Tonsils
Grab a flashlight to take a look at your children tonsils. Healthy tonsils should be pink and spot free, but infected ones are red, inflamed, possible white spots, and terrible odor. Bacteria can collect in the pits of swollen tonsils causing bad breath. and, paired with the sour smell of infection, can cause bad breath. If your child’s tonsils look swollen or red, your pediatrician should examine them and can prescribe an antibiotic.
Dry Mouth
Kids are quite active. It can be hard for them to remember to stay hydrated! A lack of fluids can cause bad breath in children. If they don’t get enough water, their mouths won’t produce enough saliva that is needed to wash away bacteria. Lack of saliva can also lead to tooth decay, it is worth the extra time to make sure kids are staying hydrated.
It is important to take care of your children’s teeth as soon as they come in! Not just their adult teeth, but their baby teeth as well! If you have any questions about your kid’s oral health do not hesitate to contact your dentist.
