Halitosis is a dental condition that is characterized by chronic bad breath.
When it affects your child, the condition can bring about low self-esteem and impact their social life. It is important to know how to detect, prevent, and treat this condition.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Generally, bad breath in children is preventable and treatable. Understanding the common causes of the condition will make it easier for you to prevent it from occurring.
Some of the common causes of halitosis in children include oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease that make it difficult to clean the oral cavity. It can also be caused by poor oral hygiene such as failure to brush teeth regularly, leading to food particles being trapped in the mouth and reactions of microorganisms. A foreign object in the nose such as beans or peas can cause infection and lead to bad breath.
Other causes are a dry mouth, a sinus infection, swollen tonsils, orthodontic appliances, poor dental fillings as well as poor nutrition and diet.
Prevention and Treatment
There are different ways to prevent bad breath in children. These measures will not only help in dealing with halitosis but also keep teeth and gums healthy. Here are some of them:
Regular Brushing and Flossing
In addition to encouraging kids to brush and floss often, they should also rinse their mouth out and scrape the tongue. This helps to keep the mouth fresh and get rid of odor-causing bacteria.
Drinking More Water
Children should keep their mouth moistened by drinking plenty of water during the day, and those who wear dentures should remove and clean them at night. You should replace your child’s toothbrush every two to three months.
Dental Checkups
Arranging regular dental checkups and cleanings will also go a long way in helping to prevent and treat halitosis. It is advisable to schedule dental checkups at least every 6 months to monitor your child’s dental health.
In addition to these measures, it remains essential to take your kids to a pediatric dentist regularly. We provide a wide range of dental treatment services to help promote good oral health. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.