What About Bad Breath In Children?
There are specific reasons for the cause of bad breath in children. There are several factors that can influence the production of bad breath, and some of them are especially likely to be found in children.
Depending on their age, children have a habit of putting things up their noses, which can end up lodged and produce bad breath. It is not uncommon for children to put small objects into their mouth and nose.
If there is a suspicion of this, it's probably better to allow a doctor to probe and remove the foreign object. There may be an indicator of this activity if there is a discharge from the nose. It's also known that ingested small objects can become lodged in the passages and cause bad breath.
Oral hygiene habits should be instilled in children while they are growing. It is fairly well established that children are not necessarily keeping their teeth and mouths clean and the presence of old food may be a good breeding ground for bacteria that causes decay and foul breath.
Children should always be encouraged and taught to maintain the highest standards of oral hygiene, as this is a habit that will carry with them throughout their lives.
When considering a case of chronic bad breath in children, the usual factors that create the problem in adults should not be ignored.
These include dry mouth which creates a favorable environment for bacteria thriving. While it is expected that children would not be as prone to bad breath from chewing snuff, or drinking alcohol, they are more prone to diseases affecting the salivary glands, and to get respiratory or throat and mouth infections. These in themselves can cause direct odor, and also compounds the problem by causing mouth breathing which also drys out the mouth.
Post nasal drip is a particular problem in young children that can cause bad breath. The bacteria that cause bad breath odor tend to be at home in the back of the tongue, and this is exactly where the nasal drip concentrated.
A runny nose itself is a chemical compound which is reported to act as fuel for bacteria. It contains proteins consisting of amino acids that are broken down into hydrogen sulfide and other odors.
If you think your child has a persistent bad breath, it would be advisable to consult your physician for assistance in diagnosing and curing the issue.
Bad Breath Myths
What do you really know about halitosis? There are many bad breath myths floating around.
Until recently, most treatments have been usually unsuccessful in resolving bad breath problems. Common treatments such as mouthwashes, mints, chewing gums, mouth sprays, and intestinal cleansings otherwise referred to as colonics, have been simply inadequate. You will find many websites offering such products. Of course, they are a waste of money.
Bad Breath Treatments
Halitosis or bad breath is really not as common as many people think. But many people worry about it. What are the best bad breath treatments?
Great Oral Hygiene
Obviously, this goes further than just brushing and flossing. Get those regular checkups because other problems may contribute to your bad breath problems. Things like periodontal disease, which is a common problem for people over 30. Do you have old crowns or fillings that may be in need of repair? They can become food and bacteria traps.
Sugarless Gum
Chewing sugarless gum will increase the saliva in your mouth. Your saliva is a natural antibiotic and will help to rid the bacteria in the mouth. Be sure it's sugarless or you will defeat the whole purpose by getting additional decay.
Vitamin C
Insufficient Vitamin C is one cause of bad breath. If you have a deficiency, it may help to take some supplements. Smokers typically have Vitamin C problems, but then their smoking is the real cause of the bad breath.
Proper Diet and Eating
Occasionally, people get a hunger odor. If that's the cause, then of course, eating is the solution. Healthy snacks such as celery, carrots and other vegetables will aid in preventing plaque. Drinking lots of water will keep the mouth (and body) hydrated. If you're feeling thirsty, be sure to swish the water around your mouth for a few seconds to loosen any bacteria.
Mouth Fresheners
Mouth fresheners make a great deal of sense. However, a lot of the over-the-counter mouthwashes do little more than just rinsing with water. Look for products that have zinc chloride or chlorhexidine in them. Zinc and zinc compounds help reduce the plaque forming process. A simple home mouthwash of hydrogen peroxide and water will kill any bacteria in your mouth. Be sure not to swallow!
Fortunately, bad breath treatment is relatively simple once the underlying cause has been determined. However, it can recur if a patient does not follow prescriptions, or change personal habits which lead to the problem. Bad breath may develop at any time, so being free of it at one point of time does not rule out the possibility of developing it later. It is best to ask an intimate friend or a member of the family to check periodically, and to keep every appointment with a dentist.
