Does your little one have bad breath? Don't panic! This is not necessarily a sign of a health problem. Very often, halitosis disappears with a few simple treatments. Here are all our tips for fighting bad breath in children.

Why do some children have bad breath?

Halitosis in children is quite common. It can be caused by many factors, such as poor dental hygiene, an imbalance in the intestinal flora or the consumption of certain foods. In other cases, it is mouth breathing that is the cause.

Why are children affected?

Children are susceptible to bad breath, just like adults. So it’s important to understand where a child’s halitosis comes from in order to help them regain good digestive and oral balance . Let’s take a closer look.

Dietary causes

As you know, health starts with what you eat. In other words, the quality of the food you offer your child is very important. If their diet does not match their nutritional needs and digestive capacities, they will have more difficulty digesting their meal, which often leads to halitosis .

That's not all! Some foods are known to cause bad breath occasionally. These include, for example, sugary drinks, sodas, onions or garlic.

Poor dental hygiene

When a child has bad breath, it is often a sign of an oral hygiene problem. The little one does not brush his teeth frequently enough or his technique is unsuitable. The consequence? The appearance of dental plaque, and with it, the multiplication of foul-smelling bacteria. As you will have understood, brushing teeth is an element to consider when a toddler suffers from halitosis.

Cavities​

When a child has bad breath, it is necessary to make an appointment with the dentist to check the condition of the teeth. Indeed, some toddlers have cavities that do not cause discomfort or pain, but promote the development of bacteria.

Teething​

In some cases, babies have bad breath when teething because they salivate a lot, which causes bacteria to grow. This is completely normal, but you should remember to clean the first teeth with a brush suitable for very young children and a little water to eliminate bacteria.

Imbalances in the intestinal flora
Children can have bad breath when the intestinal microbiota is weakened. This is often the case after taking antibiotics or when the diet is unbalanced.

Oral breathing

Did you know? Children who breathe through their mouths can have bad breath. Want to find out why? Mouth breathing actually dries out the mucous membranes, which encourages the growth of smelly bacteria . You see, saliva plays a crucial role in regulating the flora and controlling the acidity inside the mouth.

How to fight bad breath in children our advice

You have just discovered the main causes of bad breath in children. Now, here are some tips to help you relieve your toddler. Of course, these suggestions do not replace a medical consultation and you should contact your doctor or pediatrician in the event of prolonged or particularly pronounced halitosis.

Prepare herbal teas

To get rid of bad breath in children, you can make herbal teas with plants known for their refreshing properties. For example, you can infuse thyme or spruce for 15 minutes. Herbal infusions can be consumed as is or used as a mouthwash after meals.

Buy a nice toothbrush

Encourage good dental hygiene by buying your child a cute toothbrush. You can opt for a model with the image of his favorite heroes . Whatever your choice, teach your toddler to brush his teeth morning and evening for about 3 minutes. You can use an hourglass to help him find his way.

Get some xylitol gum

Here is a natural sweetener that is particularly effective in neutralizing acidity and dental plaque! Xylitol is a derivative of birch bark and certain fruits and vegetables. It is used to make chewing gum that freshens breath and dislodges food residue when you don't have the time or opportunity to brush your teeth . You will find chewing gum of this type in supermarkets or pharmacies.

Consult a naturopath

To relieve your child, you can make an appointment with a naturopath. During the consultation, you will learn how to help their digestion by adapting their diet. You will also be able to discover certain natural supplements that support the intestinal microbiota.

By reading this article, you have discovered several tips to combat bad breath in children . As you will have understood, you must monitor the quality of their diet and encourage good dental hygiene. Also teach your little one to adjust their breathing to limit the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth.