Does your child say that he or she has bad breath and that maybe other kids at school have told them about it? If so, that's not unusual and probably isn't something you need to worry about, but you should try to rule out some possible problems to find out what's going on. What could be causing this problem, is called "halitosis".
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth syndrome is a big reason why people have bad breath. This happens when kids breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, which, if they do it often, can make them dry out their mouths. Since saliva is important for keeping the mouth moist and getting rid of bacteria, bacteria that are already there may start to grow, which could cause bad breath.
Medications
If a dry mouth is listed as a side effect of a medicine, it could be adding to the problem. Talk to your family doctor or the pharmacist to see if they can give you something else.
Oral Problems
Of course, you can't rule out cavities, especially if you haven't been to the dentist in a while. Small pieces of food can get stuck between your child's teeth if they haven't been flossing and brushing like they should. This will lead to plaque and the growth of bacteria, both of which can cause tooth decay and cavities.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Water Intake
Make sure your child drinks a lot of water throughout the day to avoid problems caused by dry mouth. If you have cavities, you should stay away from carbonated or sugary drinks.
Dental Check
Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can. They will check your child's teeth and overall oral health. If they find any cavities, they will treat them right away. They will also remove plaque and tartar and, if needed, clean your teeth. If you plan to come back often in the future, you can help stop problems from happening.
Good practises
You also need to make sure your child brushes and flosses their teeth from now on. You may want to watch them work until you're sure they've made it a habit. You may also want to teach them to brush their tongues, which can help get rid of bacteria.
If you use some of the tips above, you should be able to get rid of your bad breath. If you have any other worries, you can talk to your dentist when you go.
For more information, you can talk to your dentist.
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