Bad breath (halitosis) is often something that adults are aware of, but did you know that children can have halitosis, too? For you parents out there, here is a bit more detail about kids and bad breath.
The most common cause of halitosis in children is simple plaque buildup. It's almost impossible to ensure that children are brushing, flossing and rinsing thoroughly and twice daily. Missed brushings leave the mouth primed for bacteria in the mouth to multiply, thus causing oral odor.
Another is the fact that many children put foreign objects in their mouths -- it's a way for them to learn. Blankets, hair, toys and pacifiers add more bacteria-rich cultures that will grow on the surface of the tongue. Whether it's due to a stuffy nose or to the fact that the baby just has a habit of breathing with the mouth open, breathing through the mouth can dry out saliva. Without this oxygen-rich liquid, anaerobic bacteria can breed quickly, causing bad breath.
The best course of action is to try to monitor the daily regime of proper oral care twice a day. I recommend that kids use 100% Xylitol Mints or Chewing Gums 4-5 times a day to help improve halitosis (and this will significantly lower the decay risk at the same time).
