Infant Bad Breath

Usually, when we think about bad breath, we are not thinking of infant bad breath. The breath of infants and small children is generally quite pleasant: halitosis in this age group is relatively rare. It does occur from time to time, however, and dealing with it requires some special considerations.

In a young child bad breath can be a sign of some other illness, so before taking any specific measures to treat the breath odor, ask yourself if your child appears healthy. Is he or she eating a healthy balanced diet? Are there any signs of illness such as digestive upsets, respiratory problems, allergies? Has your child had a checkup with the doctor and dentist recently? Particularly in the case of infant bad breath, some signs of underlying illness can be very subtle, so if you have any doubts, make the appropriate appointments.

Identifying the source of uncomplicated child bad breath can be a process of elimination. If the problem is chronic, it is probably not being caused by occasional ingestion of problem foods like garlic, spices, or strong cheese. In many cases, increased attention to oral hygiene will solve the problem. Because most breath odors originate in the mouth, it's important for children to brush well and often. Avoiding sweet foods can also help as sugar promotes both bacterial growth and tooth decay. These possibilities, however, are seldom applicable to infants and infant bad breath.

In an infant bad breath is not usually due to poor oral hygiene, but may occur if there are sores in the mouth. Many infants suck pacifiers or other objects which become coated with saliva and oral bacteria and may be the source of an unpleasant odor. Wash pacifiers often and replace them as soon as they begin to look worn. If your baby sucks on a blanket or stuffed toy, wash it frequently. Also, check for nasal blockage: foreign objects obstructing the nostrils will soon cause problems of various types. Even sinus congestion due to a cold or allergy will cause a child to breathe through the mouth, which dries out the oral tissues and results in child bad breath.

When attempting to treat infant bad breath, remember that children should not be given antiseptic mouthwash or many of the other things that adults commonly use. Babies can’t be trusted not to swallow mouthwash or choke on breath mints. Before using any product to treat child bad breath, read the label carefully and/or consult your doctor.