Getting your kids to brush their teeth before bed can be difficult but it helps them to learn and understand good oral hygiene, brushing teeth twice a day can help with bad breath. Brushing twice a day isn’t always the solution to bad breath, there could be other reasons for your children bad breath. Here’s a couple reasons you wouldn’t have thought of and how to prevent them.
Swollen tonsils
Get your child to open their mouth wide and take a look at their tonsils. If they have infected tonsils they will look red in colour, inflamed, white spots, all this can cause them to have bad breath. Bacteria can pile up on the swollen tonsils which can also add to the bad breath. If you think they have swollen tonsils, you should take them to your GP for an examination.
Sinus Infection
Sore throats or a stuffy nose can be a sign of a sinus infection in your child. Fluid collects in the nasal passages and the throat forming lots of bacteria which causes bad breath! Unfortunately no amount of brushing or mouthwash will help. Call your GP if you suspect a sinus infection, they will prescribe some antibiotics to get rid of it.
Something stuck up their nose?
How many times have you caught your child trying to stick something up their nose? The chances of them sneaking something up there when you’re not looking is quite high! If an object gets lodged it can start to smell, this travels through the nasal passage into the mouth and causes bad smelling breath. Shine a light up their nose and if there is something up there, take them to the doctors to get it out. Trying to do it at home may make it worse.
De-hydration
Kids are always running about the place, becoming de-hydrated gives them a dry mouth. Saliva is needed to wash away odour-causing bacteria so keep them drinking plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
Even if your children brush twice a day and generally look after their teeth and gums, they may still develop tooth decay or gum problems. Any oral health issues can cause bad smells. If you think your child has tooth decay or gum disease, bring them in and we will do a full examination and provide a treatment plan.
