subject: Most Common Causes Of Bad Breath In Children [print this page] We tend to think of bad breath -- also known as halitosis -- as an adult problem. So it's always a shocker when parents smell foul breath coming from their little angel. Most parents get very worked up when they notice that their children are showing bad breath. They tend to think that there is a problem somewhere when in fact most children do have bad breath, especially in the morning. The most common causes for halitosis in children are not that worrying.
The most common cause is simply poor dental hygiene. Bacteria feeding on stagnant saliva and food particles is the cause of classic "morning breath." And we all know that morning breath can turn into "afternoon and evening breath" if your child doesn't get a good tooth and tongue brushing in the morning and at night. Sometimes food particles get caught in little crypts in the tonsils. This too can cause foul odor.
Gum disease, according to dentists, is the usual cause of persistent bad breath. You will probably be unaware you have the problem because gum disease is not necessarily painful. The gum is likely to bleed when you brush your teeth. It will look very red, but goes pale for a moment if you press on it, and will be slightly swollen where it meets the teeth.
The third source of bad oral odor is the stomach. This is usually caused by eating spicy foods (something few children do) or digestive problems (again something not common in children). If you believe this is the cause of your childs problem, then food avoidance may work. If not, then he should be evaluated by his doctor.
Both acute and chronic sinusitis have been associated with bad breath. In these cases, though, bad breath isn't the only symptom. Sinusitis is usually accompanied by a daytime and nighttime cough and possibly a fever, face swelling, or a thick yellow-green nasal discharge.
Postnasal drip can cause bad breath. This is mucus that trickles down the back of the throat. The reason is inflammation in the air passages behind the nose because of allergies or a sinus infection. It often causes a ticklish cough, particularly when lying flat at night. This type of bad breath is worst when the person is speaking.
Children with tonsils can develop food lithes (literally food stones). About 25% of people with tonsils have this problem. Food accumulates in the folds and crevices of the tonsils. Bacteria build an outer protein layer to the gathered food, resulting in what looks like little white stones. The bacteria produce the foul odor.
In most cases such bad breath will only be experienced in the morning and the cure stands in a proper oral hygiene. Teaching your children to pay attention to brushing their teeth and tongue is up to you so do not neglect that. Also, do not use mouthwashes with children as they usually swallow it.
by: Charles Zoe
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