Fresh breath is important not only for adults but also for children. However, many parents wonder whether recurring bad breath is normal in their little ones. For this reason, we're exploring the real causes of bad breath in children and what measures can be taken to get rid of it.
Bad breath can occur in a variety of ways and have different causes. Some children suffer from bad breath that is only noticeable when exhaling through the mouth, while others also experience the smell when exhaling through the nose, although this is rare.
However, the smell can indicate various health problems :
Foul breath often indicates tooth decay, gingivitis, or tonsillitis, while an acetone smell , similar to nail polish, can indicate diabetes. Sour breath could be a sign of stomach problems, while a smell of urine or ammonia could indicate kidney disease.
It is important to get to the bottom of the causes of bad breath in order to enable appropriate treatment and promote children's oral health.
Bad breath in children: The real causes
Bad breath in children can have various causes and should therefore not be ignored. Approximately 15 percent of children in Switzerland occasionally suffer from bad breath, which can smell differently depending on the cause and may indicate potential health problems.
Dental care and eating habits:
The first step to eliminating bad breath is to review your daily dental care routine. Food particles between the teeth can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that break down food particles and produce sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. In addition, not drinking enough fluids or sleeping with your mouth open can lead to dry mucous membranes, which also contribute to bad breath.
Diseases and infections:
Bad breath can also be caused by an onset of a cold, inflamed tonsils, or inflamed sinuses. Tooth decay caused by poor oral hygiene can also lead to bad breath. In children under one year of age , burping and vomiting due to pre-digested food can cause a sour breath.
Foreign bodies and bacteria:
Inserting foreign objects into the nose, such as marbles, fruit, or vegetables, can lead to nasal infections that cause bad breath. Less commonly, bad breath can also indicate liver disease, allergies, or food intolerances. Infections such as stomatitis, an inflammation of the oral mucosa, can also cause bad breath, which often appears asymptomatic but can also be accompanied by fever and painful mouth blisters.
Bad breath in children: Too much sugar?
In addition to the causes mentioned above, bad breath in children can also be caused by excessive sugar consumption . Sugary foods and drinks provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria in the mouth, which feed on the sugar molecules and can produce unpleasant odors. Irregular dental care and the consumption of sugary snacks or sweets between meals can promote bacterial growth.
Therefore, it's important to maintain a balanced diet and control sugar intake to minimize bad breath in children. Brushing teeth regularly after meals and avoiding sugary foods and drinks before bedtime can also help reduce the development of bad breath.
Bad breath in children: When to see a doctor?
If bad breath doesn't go away after a few days , it may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires medical treatment. In some cases, bad breath can indicate more serious health problems , such as dental problems, inflammation of the mouth and throat, or even respiratory diseases.
Therefore, parents should pay attention and, if in doubt, consult a pediatrician or dentist to clarify the cause of bad breath and take appropriate measures .
Bad breath in children: What to do?
Children's oral health is important from the beginning to prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum damage.
These 4 things contribute positively to good oral health in children:
- Regular oral hygiene in infancy: Even with the first milk teeth, teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft children's toothbrush.
- Tooth brushing even without teeth: Even if your baby doesn't have any teeth yet, it's important to clean their gums twice a day with a soft cloth and water. Milk residue can accumulate in the mouth and contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Early dental visit: The first dental visit is recommended as early as one year of age. Parents receive tips for optimal dental care and possible early detection of dental problems.
- Taking PRObiom® Dental Lozenges: PRObiom® Dental Lozenges can also be a useful addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.
Bad breath in children: These home remedies help
These home remedies help to naturally control bad breath in children:
- Lemon Juice Mouthwash: A simple and effective method is to use lemon juice as a mouthwash. Dilute the juice of half a lemon with a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. Lemon's natural antiseptic properties help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth , thus reducing bad breath.
- Fennel tea drinking cure: Fennel tea is a proven remedy for bad breath, not only for adults but also for children. The tea can be consumed as a mouthwash, as well as consumed as a mouthwash. Fennel's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help cleanse the oral cavity and neutralize unpleasant odors. Regular consumption of fennel tea can also strengthen the immune system and thus promote oral health.
- Natural breath fresheners: Natural breath fresheners such as fresh herbs and spices can also be used to combat bad breath in children. For example, fresh mint leaves can be chewed or consumed in tea to ensure pleasant breath. Spices such as cloves or anise can also have a refreshing effect on breath, thus effectively reducing bad breath.
Bad breath in babies and toddlers: How parents can react correctly
A sweet smile and fresh breath are among the charming characteristics of a happy baby. But what should you do if unpleasant odors emanate from your baby's mouth?
How to recognize, prevent, and treat bad breath in babies:
1. Causes and characteristics:
- Bad breath in babies is often caused by the milk they drink. The smell is usually sour and similar to expired milk.
- In the first few months, a slight bad breath is normal because the bacteria in the mouth feed on the protein contained in breast milk.
2. Measures for prevention and treatment:
- If your baby snores and has bad breath, it could be due to dry mucous membranes. A different sleeping position and plenty of fluids after waking up can help.
- Poor oral hygiene can also lead to bad breath. However, it's important to note that diseases of the oropharynx or chronic dry mouth can also cause bad breath.
3. Nutrition and hygiene:
- A balanced diet and regular oral hygiene are crucial to preventing bad breath in babies. Excessive sugar and dairy consumption should be avoided, and care should be taken to ensure the child drinks enough water to maintain adequate hydration.
4. Regular check-ups:
- Pediatric dental visits should be scheduled regularly to ensure optimal oral health of the child and to detect and treat potential problems early.
Bad breath during teething: A sign of new teeth
When babies seem to be crying more and teething is imminent, they may also notice an unpleasant odor coming from their mouths. This bad breath often occurs when the new teeth erupt and put pressure on the gums . During this phase, babies' saliva production is increased, which in turn creates an ideal environment for bacteria to survive in the mouth. This can lead to bad breath during the teething process.
Regular and thorough oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and the use of natural breath fresheners can help reduce unpleasant oral odors. However, there may be situations where additional measures are necessary, especially if bad breath is chronic or persistent. In such cases, PRObiom® Dental Lozenges can provide effective support by restoring the natural balance of the oral flora , thereby ensuring long-term fresh breath.
