If you’ve noticed that your toddler’s breath is not as fresh as it should be, you’re not alone. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is common among toddlers. If the condition persists, visit your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to help identify the cause of your toddler’s bad breath. We are here to support your child’s oral health every step of the way!

What Are Common Causes of Bad Breath in Toddlers?

Poor Oral Hygiene or Dental Problems: In most cases, bad breath results from poor oral hygiene. If your child does not thoroughly brush and floss each day, plaque can quickly build up and produce an unpleasant odor. The plaque can also cause dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, which, in turn, can cause bad breath. Halitosis can also develop due to damaged or chipped fillings.

Odor-Causing Foods: Consuming pungent foods like garlic and onions can give the best of us bad breath, and your toddler is no exception. Limiting these foods will help keep your little one’s breath fresh.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva cleans the mouth by washing away bacteria, which helps keep halitosis at bay. If your toddler breathes through the mouth or is dehydrated, dry mouth can develop, causing bad breath. Hydration is key. Make sure your child drinks three to four glasses of water to help address this condition.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems and Other Illnesses:Toddlers sometimes have bad breath due to sinus infections, tonsillitis, or other seasonal allergies, where mucus from the sinuses makes it way to the mouth. Moreover, some conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease allow stomach acids to make their way to the mouth, also contributing to bad breath.

How Can You Eliminate Your Toddler’s Bad Breath?

Brush at Least Twice a Day: Make sure you brush your toddler’s teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your toddler’s tongue, because halitosis-causing bacteria live on the tongue’s surface. Having your child rinse with kid-friendly mouthwash can also help.

Floss Daily: Flossing daily will help remove any food particles between your toddler’s teeth, which can help keep your child’s mouth free of unpleasant odors.

Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist: Prevent bad breath and other oral concerns by scheduling your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings. Keep in mind that halitosis is a symptom, not a disease in itself. The first step in treating the condition is identifying its cause. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will address any dental problems as required. In some cases, we may need to refer your child to a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to treat any underlying health condition.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your toddler’s breath clean and fresh. Our team is proud to offer quality preventive and restorative services to keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape. We are all about maintaining our young patients’ long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!