5 Surprising Causes for Bad Breath in Children and What You Can Do About It

Yes. Many of the things that cause bad breath in adults can also affect our little ones, from babies and toddlers to bigger kids and teens. In fact, because kids and toddlers are still learning about oral hygiene and developing their good habits, they’re often even more vulnerable than we are to certain causes like tooth decay. And with their immature immune systems, they may be more susceptible to causes like infection, too. 

Common? Yes. Normal? No! If your toddler or child has bad breath, it’s often a sign that some aspect of their oral health, general health, diet or oral hygiene needs attention. Luckily, the causes of child and toddler bad breath are rarely serious, and can usually be fixed with a few simple habit adjustments or some advice from your dentist or pediatrician. 

Your child’s mouth is home to millions of bacteria that get their fuel from the food your child eats. Without regular brushing and flossing, that bacteria can build up and form a sticky film on the teeth called plaque. The bacteria in plaque can irritate the gums and cause tooth decay, both of which can contribute to bad breath in toddlers and kids. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing daily to keep plaque and bad breath at bay, and don’t forget those regular professional cleanings and oral health check-ups. And if you do suspect tooth decay or gum disease in your child, book a dental appointment today. 

If you and your dentist are satisfied with your child's oral hygiene routine, another culprit might be to blame for their bad breath. Halitosis can be a symptom off several infections and diseases. These include:

• Sinus infections. Sinus issues cause fluid to collect in the nasal passages and throat, making it the perfect place for bacteria to gather. The result? Stinky breath that can't be cured with toothbrushing and mouthwash alone. If your child is showing signs of a sinus infection sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, or post-nasal drip — book in to see your doctor.
• Swollen tonsils. Grab a flashlight and take a peek in your child's mouth. How do those tonsils look? Healthy tonsils should be pink and spot- free, but infected tonsils may be red, inflamed, and swollen, with white spots. Bacteria can collect in the pits of swollen tonsils and, paired with the sour smell of infection, can cause bad breath in babies and toddlers. If your child's tonsils look swollen or red, your pediatrician should examine them and advise on treatment.
• Health conditions. Diabetes, stomach infections, kidney failure, liver problems and cancer of the mouth are some rarer causes of bad breath in toddlers and children. If your child is undergoing chemotherapy, there is evidence that fungal infections can also contribute to bad breath. If you know your child has one of these conditions, talk with your doctor and dentist about possible solutions for fighting bad breath.

If you’re still not getting to the bottom of your child or toddler’s bad breath, the answer may lie in their nose. Yes, really! Kids are curious, and their nostrils are just the right size for inserting small items such as beads, beans, toy parts and food. When these objects get lodged in a child's nasal passages, it can create an infection with a nasty smell. If you suspect this is what is causing your child's bad breath, you'll need a doctor to help check your child's nasal passages and remove the object.

Finger-sucking, pacifier use, certain medications and general dehydration can all cause dry mouth in children. Likewise, snoring or mouth breathing at night can make their saliva evaporate. Saliva plays an important role in washing away odor-causing bacteria, and a lack of saliva can also lead to tooth decay and cavities. Make sure your child is getting enough water each day, and talk to your dentist about how to prevent dry mouth.

Occasionally, your child's smelly breath has nothing to do with their health or hygiene. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions and strong spices, can create an unpleasant smell. When your child digests and absorbs these foods, odorous molecules enter the bloodstream and are excreted through the lungs via breathing. High-protein foods like red meat, fish, and cheese can also lead to bad breath. If your child's breath becomes unbearable, consider limiting some of these stinky foods.

Avoiding bad breath begins with a strong oral hygiene routine. Follow these tips from the American Dental Association:

• Have your child brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes. You will need to supervise or help brush your child's teeth until you are confident they can brush correctly by themselves.
• Use a rice-sized smear of toothpaste for children under the age of three and a pea-sized amount for those older. Make sure they spit the toothpaste out afterwards rather than swallowing it.
• When brushing the teeth, make sure they also clean their tongue, which can easily trap odor-causing bacteria.
• As soon as the child has two teeth touching, begin cleaning between the teeth by flossing daily. This will help remove odor-causing food particles and help prevent plaque build-up.
• Schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings with your child's dentist as soon as they get their first tooth. This will help get them used to dental care and oral hygiene, and will allow your dentist to identify and treat any oral care problems early.

If bad breath lingers even after you implement a better oral hygiene routine and the dentist determines that your child's mouth is healthy, you may be referred to a primary care physician for additional tests to diagnose the underlying cause of the halitosis. Regardless of the cause, teaching your children how to properly brush and floss their teeth can help them develop lifelong positive oral care habits.

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.