We tend to believe that bad breath, also known as halitosis is an adult problem. It is somehow shocking when parents realize their little children also have to deal with bad breath on occasion. If this problem persists, they start to get worried wondering whether the problem is serious or not.

It is true that chronic bad breath in adults can be a risky sign of ill health, but children rarely encounter the same kind of diseases adults. A study on children's bad breath has revealed that the most common situations for this are usually mouth or even nose problems

The simplest cause of bad breath in children is a lack of dental hygiene. The bacteria that feed on stagnant saliva or on particles of food left in the mouth are the cause of classical bad breath, especially for morning bad breath. This can change into "all day long" bad breath if your children don't take the brushing of their teeth seriously. They should brush their teeth at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before they go to bed, otherwise food residue can exist on the tonsil cavities and cause bad smells.
Other important issues can be cavities. A deep cavity can cause unbearable toothache, but a superficial cavity may only cause bad breath.

There can be an association of acute or chronic sinusitis with bad breath. Symptoms of this include halitosis, couching, fever and yellow-green nose secretions.

Bad breath can also be an indicator of pharyngitis or throat infections. As in sinusitis, the bad smell can be caused by the bacterial infection and by the bacteria that exist within stagnant saliva because the nose is not used whilst breathing.
Seasonal allergies can be another cause, because mucus backs up into the pharynx. This may be accompanied by a dry coughing which is irritating at night, eye itching and nose secretions.


What parents must do?
It's important that children are taught good oral hygiene. Teach them how to take care of their hygiene and tell them that brushing their teeth and their tongue is very important. They should also be encouraged to choose their own desired toothpaste and toothbrush (designed for children). Also, the toothpaste used must contain flour.
Do not let the children use mouthwash! It may be refreshing, but it is just a substitute and may not be efficient when brushing their teeth. It may also be too strong for them and actually kill the good bacteria in their mouth thus making them more prone to infection.

Don't forget to watch your children while they are brushing their teeth. You can brush your teeth, too in the same time, just to teach them how to do it. This must happen at least twice a day!
Children must go periodically to the dentist, as adults do. This must happen at least once a year (preferably every six months) from the age of 2-3. Getting your children into the habit of going to the dentist on a regular basis ensures you give them good habits for the rest of their lives.

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