As a parent, you know that kids don’t always smell great. But if your child’s breath is really smelly and it doesn’t seem to be getting better, you may be wondering what’s causing the issue. Why does your child’s breath smell bad? Is this normal? Should you be worried? Get all the details in this blog from 24/7 Local Dentist. We’ll explain some of the most common causes of bad breath (halitosis) in kids, and a few steps you can take to freshen up your little one’s mouth.

If your child recently started brushing on their own, this could be the cause of their bad breath. If they’re not brushing consistently, thoroughly, and at least twice per day, their breath may start to stink. This is because of bacterial buildup on their teeth and gums.

Not only can this cause bad breath, but it also may lead to a higher risk of cavities or even gum disease in serious cases. We recommend supervising kids when they start brushing their own teeth. That way, you can make sure they’re being thorough, and you can give them tips on how to clean their teeth more effectively.

Some oral health concerns like cavities, gum disease, and infected teeth cause bacteria buildup. As mentioned, bacteria are what makes your child’s breath smelly. So if they have any untreated oral health problems, this could be the cause of their bad breath. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important for kids to see a pediatric dentist like Dr Jarod Johnson every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.

Proper saliva flow is critical for a healthy mouth in kids, teens, and adults of all ages. Saliva helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, and also helps control acidity in the mouth. If your child has dry mouth (also called “xerostomia”), this can lead to halitosis. Saliva won’t be able to rinse away food particles and bacteria, which may lead to other serious oral health issues.

Dry mouth can be caused by lots of things. Mouth breathing during the day or at night, for example, dries out the mouth and may lead to a high risk of bad breath. Dehydration can also cause lower saliva flow, so make sure your child gets enough water. Some health conditions like diabetes and certain types of drugs may also cause dry mouth in kids.

Some foods like garlic, onions, fish, soft cheeses, and other very strong and pungent foods can contribute to bad breath, lingering for hours at a time. If your child eats lots of these foods, this may be the cause or a contributing factor for their bad breath.

If your child has tonsillitis (infected tonsils), this can cause bad breath. Some other health conditions like diabetes, sinus infections, gastric reflux, and thrush may also cause bad breath. If you’ve already consulted with a dentist and they haven’t found the cause of your child’s bad breath, it may be wise to see your pediatrician to rule out other health concerns that may contribute to halitosis.