Help! My Child Has Bad Breath
Sure, your little one may eat something every now and then that results in some not-so-pleasant breath. However, if you begin to notice that this is a daily problem, you may find yourself concerned that something more complex is happening. While your instincts are correct – there is certainly an underlying factor involved with bad breath – there are also a variety of solutions. Do a bit of detective work to narrow down the possibilities and you will find that attaining fresh breath is just around the corner.
Dealing With Mouth Breathing
If your child is dealing with problems like allergies or sinus congestion, it is possible that he or she is suffering from mouth breathing. This simply means that the upper airways are congested or blocked, so your child breathes through his or her mouth rather than through the nose. This dries the mouth, which causes bacteria to multiply and result in bad breath. Visit your pediatrician or an ear nose and throat specialist to address the underlying concern.
Cotton Mouth And What To Do
Certain habits may lead to a dried out mouth, which your child may make you aware of by describing sensations associated with cottonmouth. For instance, if your little one likes to chew on clothing or a blanket, this can result in dry mouth. Even stress or just mild dehydration can cause this problem, too. The answer is simple: Increase your child’s daily water intake.
Keep An Eye On Dental Hygiene
Have you assumed your child is brushing and flossing well enough for him or her to do so independently? Practice just a bit of monitoring for a bit to make sure your child is on track. Slipping daily hygiene can quickly result in bad breath (and is easy to fix). Remember to schedule your cleanings and checkups, too.
filed under: Children's Dental Services, General Dentistry