Bad Breath in Children

Causes of Bad Breath in Children

In most cases, bad breath in children is not a cause for concern, and the underlying cause is usually not significant. About 85% of cases are related to the teeth.

Causes Related to Teeth: The most common cause is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria and food residue can lead to bad breath. Tooth decay, food particles, and gum issues are also common contributors.

Foreign Body Stuck in the Nose: If there is a yellow-green discharge from only one nostril, it may indicate a foreign object. If the discharge is present in both nostrils, the cause is usually something else.

Mouth Breathing: This can be caused by adenoids, allergies, sinusitis, or recurrent colds.

Causes Related to Systemic Diseases: Bad breath can be linked to issues such as kidney problems, diabetes, liver failure, and lung infections. In some cases, food particles stuck in the tonsils can also cause bad breath in children. Additionally, sinus and throat infections caused by seasonal allergies can contribute to bad breath.

If your child doesn't have inflammation, allergies, or an object blocking their nose, the best approach is to improve oral hygiene.

Make sure they brush their teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Teeth should be brushed as soon as the first tooth appears.