Bad Breath in Children: How to Ease the Embarrassment

Bad breath in children does occur, but how do you handle
it? If an adult who unknowingly had chronic bad breath
spoke to a group of friends, that group would probably not
make it obvious. If a child with chronic bad breath is
talking to a group of friends, chances are the group will
not have the maturity to deal with it and will probably
look away or fan their hand, acting in a way that makes the
child with bad breathe embarrassed. When bad breath in
children does occur it is important to treat it and prevent
further occurrences.

Something Stinks: Chronic Bad Breath

Ever wonder why someone with chronic bad breath went around
talking to everyone, even in close circles? That is because
the person probably had no clue they suffered chronic bad
breathe, since people cannot smell their own halitosis.
During school and in after school activities children
participate regularly in interacting with other students
which is why bad breath in children should be treated
immediately.

If you are not sure if your breath smells bad or not, ask a
good friend to let you know. Bad breath happens to everyone
at some point and there is nothing to feel ashamed about.
You will often find yourself around someone with chronic
bad breath, and just remember to that person with the same
dignity you would like to be treated with.

What Causes Bad Breath in Children? Children, like adults,
can develop halitosis a couple of ways.

• First of all, certain foods and even drinks can create
temporary bad breath in children. Some known offenders
include onions and garlic, but items kids usually eat that
cause bad breath include pop, certain juices and cheese.

• Some children are not big fans of brushing or flossing,
yet failing to do both regularly will create chronic bad
breath.

• Thirdly, a dry mouth or post nasal drip from a cold or
allergies can create halitosis. Snoring or breathing
through the mouth can also cause chronic bad breath in
children as this contributes to a dry mouth.

• Relax. It’s likely not serious. According to WebMD,
halitosis is rarely a side affect of more serious health
conditions in children. And according to a Journal of
Pediatrics study performed in 1999, bad breath in children
is caused either by dry mouth or the nasal cavity.

Combating a Child’s Bad Breath

First, look at what your child is eating. Do you serve up
garlic or spicy dishes for dinner each night? Is your child
a big fan of cheese? If so, try cutting back on the dairy
and garlic. Make sure that regular brushing and flossing is
occurring, even if you have to stand by and check. To make
this more fun, take your child to the grocery store and
allow him or her to pick out their toothbrush and
toothpaste. If your child is older, it is important to note
that alcohol and tobacco cause chronic bad breath. Finally,
make sure your child regularly sees a dentist to have his
or her teeth cleaned. These appointments are also a good
time to talk with the child’s dentist about halitosis.

The most important part of helping a child with bad breath
is to be sensitive and not make the child feel embarrassed
or self-conscious. Bad breath is a part of life and
something everyone encounters. By zeroing in on the cause,
and taking care of it, you can quickly eliminate and
prevent bad breath in children.