Is Bad Breath Treatment Available for Children?

If your child suffers from halitosis, a bad breath treatment at the dentist might be the solution. Dentists treat people of all ages for halitosis, including children. Find out the common causes of bad breath along with the treatment options.

Bad breath in children

Bad breath in children is normal from time to time. Kids get bad breath for a variety of reasons, including eating pungent foods or experiencing dry mouth after running and playing. However, if the bad breath is chronic, a bad breath treatment is likely needed.

Tooth decay and bad breath

Cavities are one of the main causes of bad breath in children. Bacteria eat away at the enamel of the tooth. As the tooth decays, the bacteria produce a foul smell. Simply brushing the teeth is not enough to freshen the breath. Dentists remove the decay and fill the tooth. Parents should notice that the breath is much fresher once the mouth is free of decay.

Gum disease and bad breath

Children can also get gingivitis and gum disease. This occurs when bacteria build up and cause plaque, which turns into tartar. Pockets of bacteria develop underneath the gums, and bacteria lead to bad breath. If the condition is not treated, the teeth could become loose and fall out.

When children have gingivitis, a normal dental cleaning might be all that is needed. The dentist will remove the plaque and bacteria, leaving the mouth much fresher. Children need to brush and floss daily at home to prevent gingivitis from returning.

If it has already developed into gum disease, the dentist might recommend a deep cleaning. This is referred to as scaling and planing. The dentist will clean the bacteria out of the periodontal pockets that are located below the gumline. Antibiotics also might be necessary when treating gum disease. If parents think their children might have gingivitis or gum disease, it is critical to go to the dentist soon. Proper treatment will prevent the condition from worsening.

Dry mouth

Children who suffer from dry mouth also might need a bad breath treatment from the dentist. Saliva washes bacteria out of the mouth. If there is not enough saliva to accomplish this, the bacteria will build up and cause bad breath.

Some children experience dry mouth because they forget to stay hydrated. They run and play and do not reach for water. Others might have medical conditions or oral issues. If an oral condition causes dry mouth, the dentist can use a bad breath treatment to help. The treatment will eliminate the bad breath and also increase the saliva in the mouth.

Bad breath treatment in children

If your child brushes and flosses daily and still has bad breath, it is time to go to the dentist. Your child could have a cavity, gingivitis, gum disease or chronic dry mouth. Your child’s dentist will conduct an exam to find the cause of the bad breath. Then, the dentist will determine the proper treatment. The right treatment can protect your child from the embarrassment of chronic bad breath.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mysaratogadentist.com or call My Saratoga Dentist PLLC at (518) 675-3094 for an appointment in our Saratoga Springs office.

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