Blog Post

What Causes Bad Breath
Posted on 05/09/2016

What Causes Bad Breath

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While not a problem most people wish to talk about, bad breath or halitosis is common among people of all ages including kids. It can be very embarrassing for your child to have bad breath but if you know what is causing it, you can take action to make your child's breath smell fresher. Here are some of the main reasons your child's breath may not be as fresh as it can be:

Certain Foods

Some common foods that cause bad breath include garlic, onions and cheese. Once food is eaten the odor of the food is expelled via your child's breath. Thus, foods with strong tastes or odors like those mentioned above can linger on the breath longer than other foods to cause unpleasant smelling breath.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If your child does not brush and floss well every day, tiny particles of food become trapped between the teeth that collect bacteria. This bacteria leads to bad breath. This is one reason why it's essential to teach children the importance of good daily oral hygiene. It is also of the utmost importance to make sure your child sees his or her pediatric dentist twice per year for checkups and professional cleanings. Your child may have a hidden problem with his or her oral health that you cannot see such as the beginning stages of gum disease or tooth decay. Your child's dentist and hygienist can spot any problems early on so your child is given the necessary treatment to maintain a healthy smile.

Dental Diseases

Persistent bad breath is a major symptom of dental diseases, such as gum disease and tooth decay. If you suspect that your child's bad breath is due to a dental disease, it's imperative to schedule an appointment immediately with your Honolulu HI pediatric dentist. Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can lead to severe infections, tooth loss and even the need for oral surgery.

Medical Problems

Some medical problems including diabetes, sinus infections and liver or kidney ailments can cause bad breath. This is why regular checkups with your child's doctor are so important.

Dry Mouth

If not enough saliva is produced, it can lead to foul smelling breath as saliva is necessary for flushing away tiny particles of food & harmful bacteria that collects in the mouth. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, problems with the salivary glands or persistent mouth-breathing. If your child has dry mouth, your pediatric dentist may suggest a product or medication that can help increase the flow of saliva.

Schedule an Appointment for Your Child Today

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child with our pediatric dentist, please contact us today. Dr. Hirai is dedicated to providing each patient he serves with the very best dental care to help our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health for amazing smiles they can be proud of for a lifetime!