Bad Breath in Children

Bad breath can be a sign of bad health, and there are some particularly pressing reasons why a child may experience it. At Bernstein Dental Care in Bay Ridge, we do more than just clean teeth; we’re a core part of each of our patients’ healthcare teams, and we want parents to understand how to help children with halitosis.


Children have a harder time brushing their teeth. Consequently, even a child without health complications may develop oral infections, which are the most common reason for bad breath. It is important for children to know to brush their tongues as well as each tooth surface, and to do so for a full two minutes during each session. A child with trouble brushing will need more supervision. However, bad breath can also result from bacteria feeding in the back of the throat, where fluids can drip from the nasal cavity. Children get a lot of colds and can benefit from the use of a non-alcoholic mouthwash.


Anybody who has difficulty grasping a toothbrush may be better off using an electric one. People who have dry mouth as a result of medications are also vulnerable to oral infections and may need to use saliva-stimulating products such as sugar-free gum. Among children, the more common conditions treated with dry mouth-causing medications are ADHD and anxiety. Diabetes can also contribute to halitosis by hampering the body’s ability to fight off infections.


Dr. Paul Bernstein runs Bernstein Dental Care at 350 91st St, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, New York, 11209. To schedule an appointment, visit Bernstein Dental Care or call 718-833-9191.


 

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