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 are getting to the bottom of the real causes that lead to bad breath in children and what measures can be taken to get rid of it.
Bad breath can occur in different ways and have different causes. Some children have bad breath that is only noticeable when breathing out through the mouth, while others also have the smell when breathing out 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 urine or ammonia smell could indicate kidney problems.
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 different causes and should therefore not be ignored. Around 15 percent of children in Switzerland occasionally suffer from bad breath, which can smell different depending on the cause and is an indication of possible health problems.
Dental care and eating habits:
A 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 or sleeping with your mouth open can lead to dry mucous membranes, which also promote bad breath.
Diseases and infections:
Bad breath can also be caused by an impending cold , inflamed tonsils or 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 sour bad breath.
Foreign bodies and bacteria:
Inserting foreign objects into the nose, such as marbles, fruit or vegetables, can lead to infections in the nose 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 without symptoms but can also be accompanied by fever and painful mouth blisters.
Bad breath in children: too much sugar?
In addition to the above-mentioned causes, bad breath in children can also be caused by excessive sugar consumption . Sugary foods and drinks provide an ideal food source for bacteria in the mouth, which feed on the sugar molecules and can produce unpleasant odors. Irregular dental care and eating sugary snacks or sweets between meals can encourage the proliferation of bacteria.
Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and control sugar intake to minimize bad breath in children. Regularly brushing teeth 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 does not 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 when the first milk teeth appear, teeth should be brushed twice a day with a soft children's toothbrush.
- Tooth cleaning even without teeth: Even if there are no teeth yet, it is important to clean the baby's jaw twice a day with a soft cloth and water. Milk residue can accumulate in the mouth and contribute to the formation of unpleasant odors.
- Early visit to the dentist: The first visit to the dentist is recommended at the age of one. 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. To do this, you can dilute the juice of half a lemon with a glass of water and use it as a mouthwash after brushing your teeth. The natural antiseptic properties of lemon help to fight harmful bacteria in the mouth and thus reduce 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 not only be drunk but also used as a mouthwash. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of fennel help to clean 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 the form of tea to ensure pleasant breath. Likewise, spices such as cloves or anise can have a refreshing effect on the breath and thus effectively reduce bad breath.
Bad breath in babies and toddlers: How parents can react correctly
A sweet smile and fresh breath are some of the charming features of a happy baby. But what should you do if unpleasant smells come from the 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, the cause may be dry mucous membranes. Changing your sleeping position and drinking plenty of fluids after waking up can help.
- Poor oral hygiene can also lead to bad breath. However, it is 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 prevent bad breath in babies. Excessive sugar and milk consumption should be avoided and it should be ensured that the child drinks enough water to maintain adequate hydration.
4. Regular check-ups:
- Pediatric dentist 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 smell coming from their mouths. This bad breath often occurs when the new teeth come through and put pressure on the gums . During this phase, babies produce more saliva, which in turn creates the ideal environment for bacteria to survive in the mouth. This is how bad breath can occur during the teething process.
Regular and thorough oral hygiene, a healthy diet and the use of natural breath fresheners can help reduce unpleasant odors in the mouth. However, there may be situations in which 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 and thus ensuring fresh breath in the long term.
