Fever breath smell

12 Causes of Bad Breath in Kids (And What to do About It)

You snuggle up with your kiddo and when they open their mouth, you notice their breath smells less than pleasant. Whether it’s the first time you’ve detected your child’s bad breath or it’s been going on for a while, you’re not the only parent dealing with it. In fact, in a 2014 study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 37.6% of the child participants had halitosis (bad breath). 

As a kids’ dentist in Brooklyn, halitosis is something we see frequently. Parents ask us: Why does my toddler’s breath smell so bad? Should I be concerned if my child has a white tongue and bad breath? Is there anything my teenager can do for their halitosis?

Well, we have answers for you! In this post, we’ll be talking about the common causes of bad breath in kids, how to get rid of it and when it should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist. 

Table of Contents

But First…What is Halitosis?

According to the American Dental Association, halitosis is the technical term for chronic bad breath. Halitosis can originate in the mouth or the smell can be exhaled by the lungs. Chronic bad breath (halitosis) and acute bad breath, like a case of morning breath, are often caused by different things.

What Causes Bad Breath in Kids? 12 Common Culprits

1.

The most common cause of bad breath in kids is poor oral hygiene. If plaque (the sticky bacterial film that forms on the teeth) and food debris aren’t removed with proper brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the mouth have something to feed on. As they eat, they release smelly volatile sulfur compounds.

Eating foods with strong odors can lead to your child having bad breath. Digestion actually starts with that first bite of food, and whatever your child eats begins breaking down in their mouth, which can cause an unpleasant smell. 

Sulfur-producing foods like garlic and onions are especially notorious for causing bad breath in kids (and adults). The sulfur compounds take up residence in your child’s mouth and are even absorbed into their bloodstream. For several hours after eating, the smell from the compounds will continue to be released when your child exhales. Fortunately, it’s temporary and nothing to be worried about. Unfortunately, however, brushing the teeth won’t get rid of it. 

Does your child have a white tongue and bad breath? Another extremely common cause of bad breath in toddlers, kids and teens is the development of a tongue coating. Odor-causing bacteria, food and decomposing skin cells often get stuck on the back third of the tongue. As you can imagine, these things don’t smell good as they break down. 

So, why would a child’s tongue be white in addition to their bad breath? The white appearance is from all of the gunk trapped in the between the tiny bumps on the tongue, known as papillae. Brushing the tongue whenever they brush their teeth will help get rid of both your child’s bad breath and the white tongue coating.  

A cavity, or tooth decay, could be behind your child’s halitosis. Not only do the cavity-causing bacteria release odors, food is also more likely to get stuck in the damaged portion of the tooth and is harder to brush away, which compounds the smell. Other issues like mouth sores or a dental abscess, since it’s an infection, can also cause halitosis. 

Gum disease is linked to bad breath in people of all ages, including children. What is gum disease? Gum disease refers to inflammation or infection of the gum tissue that supports the teeth. While children aren’t likely to develop periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, they do commonly get the less severe type called gingivitis. 

Gingivitis occurs when soft plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) build up on the teeth and under the gumline. The bacteria and toxins in the plaque infect the gums, causing inflammation and persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing the teeth. Infections usually don’t smell good, and gum disease is no exception. 

6.

If your child has a dental crown or filling that is damaged or becomes loose, food and bacteria can get trapped underneath it. Not surprisingly, this will cause kids to have halitosis. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, saliva is an oral health superhero. Spit helps to wash away food debris and bacteria in the mouth and neutralizes cavity-causing acids. When saliva is flowing, bad breath is usually kept at bay. 

At night, when kids are sleeping, saliva production slows way down and the bacteria in their mouth hang out, which is why they often wake up with morning breath. Morning breath can even cause bad breath in babies and toddlers since everyone, no matter how old or young, has bacteria in their mouth. This type of bad breath is temporary and will disappear once your child brushes their teeth and their saliva gets going again.  

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, also causes bad breath in kids. With dry mouth, not enough saliva is being produced and, similar to morning breath, food particles and bacteria sit on the teeth, creating a bad smell. Unlike morning breath, however, bad breath from dry mouth isn’t always temporary since the condition can be chronic and due to certain medications or health issues. 

Kids with large tonsils or tonsils that have deep pits in them may find their breath smells bad. This is because the tonsils become a magnet for food, bacteria and nasal secretions to accumulate. Tonsil stones, called tonsilloliths, can also form in the pits and emit an odor as they decompose. 

Viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can create a bad smell in the oral cavity. Additionally, postnasal drip, like kids get with allergies or a sinus infection, is linked with bad breath. The bacteria in the mouth feeds on the mucus and secretions that drip down the throat and onto the tongue. As the bacteria snack, they give off gases that don’t smell good. These causes of bad breath are often accompanied by a runny nose, congestion and fever. Visit your pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and get treatment, if needed. 

A study published in the journal Clinics found a correlation between mouth breathing and halitosis in children. The researchers posited that the mouth becomes dry because it’s open all night, which leads to bad breath in the morning. Mouth breathing can be temporary and due to a child having nasal congestion or it can be a habit.

Certain health conditions, including diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, thrush and, in rare cases, liver and kidney issues, can cause bad breath in children. While the vast majority of instances of halitosis aren’t serious, if the other causes of bad breath have been ruled out, bring it up with your child’s pediatrician.  

12.

And, last but not least, when it comes to what can cause bad breath in toddlers, we have to mention an object stuck in the nose. Babies and toddlers are known to put food and toys in their nose and if the foregin body gets lodged up there, it may lead to inflammation, a runny nose and a foul odor. If you think your child stuck something up their nose and they also have a fever and dark green mucus, seek medical attention right away. 

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath in a Child

If your child has bad breath, it’s tempting to hand them some mints or a breath strip, but these only mask the problem and aren’t even all that effective. While it will depend on the underlying cause of your child’s halitosis, the following bad breath remedies and tips will be successful in most cases:

Teach kids to practice good oral hygiene.

Have them brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once daily. When brushing, be sure your child is brushing every surface of each tooth and along the gumline, as well as thoroughly brushing their tongue to remove any coating. 

To get rid of bad breath in babies or younger toddlers, you’ll have to do the brushing and flossing for them. While older toddlers and preschoolers can begin brushing on their own, supervise their oral hygiene routine until about age 7 or 8. 

Stick with a healthy, well-rounded diet.

And enjoy sugary treats and starchy foods like chips in moderation. The bacteria in the mouth love sugars and starches, so limiting these types of foods will go a long way in preventing bad breath and cavities. 

Keep your child hydrated by having them drink plenty of water.

Water helps send plaque, bacteria and food particles packing and fights dry mouth. 

Don’t underestimate the power of breakfast.

When kids eat and drink in the morning, it stimulates their saliva production and reduces morning breath.  

Have kids chew sugarless gum that contains xylitol after meals and snacks or whenever their mouth feels dry.

While this tip isn’t one of the best remedies for bad breath in toddlers, it can be helpful for older kids who won’t swallow the gum or leave it in strange places. Chewing gum boosts the amount of saliva in the mouth, which, in turn, is like a bath for the teeth, removing smelly bacteria. Xylitol is thought to decrease the amount of plaque and bacteria and lower the risk of cavities. 

Get to the bottom of your child’s mouth breathing.

When mouth breathing is a habit, it can lead to a number of oral health complications in addition to bad breath. Your pediatric dentist is an expert in oral habits, including mouth breathing, and will be able to offer you guidance. 

Keep up with your child’s regular dental exams and cleanings.

The dentist will examine your child’s teeth and gums to be sure they’re in top-notch shape. If your child has restorations like a dental crown or filling, they’ll check those too. If the dentist does identify any issues, catching them early will make treatment easier and less invasive and prevent halitosis from developing. Plus, during a cleaning, hardened plaque is removed, which also helps in the bad breath department, as well as in preventing cavities and gingivitis. 

If a health condition or medication is causing your child’s bad breath, talk with their pediatrician.

Often, treating the condition will stop halitosis in its tracks. If a medication is behind the dry mouth and bad breath, and it’s embarrassing your child, it wouldn’t hurt to see if there is an alternative medication they can try. 

When to Call the Pediatric Dentist About Bad Breath in Children

If your child has tooth pain or red, inflamed, bleeding gums along with bad breath, schedule a visit with your pediatric dentist. Your child could have a dental issue, such as a cavity or gingivitis, that requires treatment.  

In cases of bad breath accompanied by a fever and other symptoms, call your pediatrician. These are signs of an infection and illnesses like strep throat will require an antibiotic to treat. 

Most of the time, however, bad breath in kids isn’t an emergency. Try our tips and remedies to see if your child’s breath improves. If it doesn’t, let your dentist know at your child’s next appointment. 

Key Takeaways:

• Bad breath in kids is common. It can be chronic (halitosis) or acute like morning breath.

• The most common causes of halitosis in kids are poor oral hygiene, cavities and gingivitis. Bad breath can also be due to smelly foods, mouth breathing, loose dental restorations, dry mouth, infections in the mouth, ears, nose or throat, and certain health conditions and medications.

• When it comes to how to get rid of bad breath in a child, start with diligent brushing and flossing, eating a well-rounded, healthy diet, and regular exams and cleanings at your pediatric dentist. Other bad breath remedies include giving kids sugarless gum to chew, keeping them hydrated, not skipping breakfast, and taking care of medical conditions or dental issues.

• Most cases of bad breath in kids aren’t an indication of anything serious and are easily fixed. If your child’s bad breath is persistent and doesn’t improve even with good oral hygiene, talk to your pediatric dentist. 

If you’re looking for a kids’ dentist in Brooklyn to get to the root of your child’s bad breath, schedule a visit at Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry in DUMBO, Park Slope or Williamsburg. One of our friendly, experienced pediatric dentists will chat with you about your child’s health and medical history and perform an exam. Once the dentist determines what’s causing your child’s bad breath, they can offer recommendations or create a personalized treatment plan to eliminate it. 

Bad Breath & Fever in a Baby

Bad breath and a fever in a baby may seem like two unrelated symptoms, but various respiratory and sinus ailments can cause both. A fever requires careful monitoring by caregivers and a trip to a health care professional when the temperature reaches a certain level or persists despite attempts to lower it. Once the underlying cause of the fever is gone, the bad breath usually disappears as well.

Function of Post-Nasal Drip

Bad breath in an infant isn't caused by bacteria stuck on or between teeth the way it may be for older individuals. Instead, it is likely caused by post-nasal drip. Under normal conditions, the glands in the nose and throat produce continuous mucus, which helps fight off infection and moisten air that is inhaled. This mucus is swallowed unconsciously. When an infant is ill with a respiratory or sinus ailment the secretions can thicken causing bad breath, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery.

Features During Illness

Baby Chest Congestion and Breathing

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When an infectious agent enters the body, various reactions occur to fight off the foreign agent. These include the elevation of the body temperature, thickening of mucus secretions and various other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. DrGreene.com explains that a fever can make it more difficult for the virus or bacteria to reproduce. The thickened mucus and excess production can help expel the infectious agent from the body. When the mucus drainage thickens, it can cause an unpleasant breath odor.

Causes

Several different respiratory ailments can cause post-nasal drip and a fever. The common cold, caused by various viruses, can infect a baby of any age. DrGreene.com explains that older children rarely have a fever with a cold, but a baby can have a temperature between 100 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The flu, another common viral infection can cause post-nasal drip and a fever. When a cold persists for more than 10 days, the baby may have a sinus infection. Both a fever and bad breath are common symptoms associated with sinus infections in children and infants, according to KeepKidsHealthy. org. Additionally, infected or inflamed tonsils can cause bad breath, as well as a fever and other symptoms, KidsHealth.org points out.

Treatment

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Many viral causes of a fever and bad breath in a baby must be left to run their course. Home remedies like the use of a humidifier, saline nasal drops and increasing fluid intake can thin the mucus and reduce bad breath. When a bacterial infection is present, a health care professional may prescribe an antibiotic for the baby.

Considerations

Vomiting or reflux that occurs with the flu or other illnesses can contribute to bad breath in an infant. This smell will be sour instead of foul, which is the way post-nasal drip makes the breath smell. Wiping the mouth out with a wet cloth can remedy this type of bad breath. Hoarseness, sore throat and trouble swallowing are other symptoms caused by post-nasal drip. An infant with these symptoms may have a dry or raspy cry that sounds like a barking seal. The baby may swallow hard or refuse to feed due to the discomfort associated with the throat.

Bad breath - Causes of bad breath

Most people are not even aware that they have bad breath. Due to the structural features of the nasopharynx and oral cavity of a person, it is almost impossible to independently assess the freshness of breath. Since a person does not feel his own breath, his freshness can only be assessed by the reaction of others.

Bad breath can have one or more causes. It is important to determine whether bad breath is your constant companion or a temporary phenomenon.

Temporary bad breath can be caused by eating certain foods. Exotic spicy foods, fatty sauces, onions, garlic, etc. usually affect the breath. Thus, you can get rid of the smell simply by brushing your teeth. With regular oral hygiene after eating, you can completely eliminate the possibility of an unpleasant odor. If the appearance of bad breath is not associated with the use of products, there are several main reasons for its occurrence.

What causes bad breath

Only a doctor can unequivocally determine the cause that causes bad breath. It should be understood that the smell is not an independent phenomenon, but only a symptom of a disease or a manifestation of a pathology. Ignoring an unpleasant odor or trying to cope with it on your own, without going to a doctor, usually leads to the development of the disease. And if in the early stages of the disease the smell from the mouth may be the only manifestation of the pathology, then in the future new symptoms may join it.

Often an unpleasant smell indicates the beginning of the process of tooth decay, while the patient does not feel pain or discomfort in the early stages. That is why we recommend visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a preventive examination and hygienic cleaning of the teeth. Proper regular hygiene and monitoring by a specialist of your teeth and gums will ensure your breath is fresh. Make an appointment with the dentist now, even if nothing bothers you, do not wait for others to react to your bad breath, because it is very unpleasant. Registration is carried out by phone 8 (495) 033-00-63 or through the registration form located on the website.

Improper care of the oral cavity and teeth, as well as its absence

If hygiene is not observed, natural processes begin in the oral cavity - food residues serve as a substrate for actively multiplying bacteria, the waste products of which cause an unpleasant odor. This problem is especially relevant for children, adolescents, who often neglect brushing their teeth, as well as people of certain professions who are limited in freedom of movement and hygiene conditions (drivers, truckers, etc.).

Inflammatory, infectious or viral diseases

Bad breath can be caused by diseases of various body systems: otolaryngological diseases - tonsillitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.; gastroenterological diseases - gastritis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, dysbacteriosis, etc.; dental diseases - any processes of destruction of enamel or bone tissue of the tooth. Often the cause of an unpleasant odor is a whole complex of diseases of various systems of the human body.

Frequent or chronic eating disorders

With the constant consumption of foods that are harmful or difficult to digest, digestive disorders often develop, as a result - gastroenterological diseases. Overeating or non-compliance with the diet also contributes to the disruption of the digestive processes.

Breath odor in smokers

Tobacco smoking causes disturbances in the functioning of the oral mucosa, changes the qualitative composition of saliva, promotes tooth decay and the development of many diseases. Even the use of various oral hygiene products in the case of smoking has only a temporary effect.

What is bad breath like

If you have bad breath and are not sure which doctor to contact first, try to assess the nature of the smell, its intensity, taste, time of appearance or exacerbation.

Hydrogen sulfide odor from the mouth

Hydrogen sulfide odor usually indicates a digestive disorder. Especially if belching, bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. appear after eating. Also, people with an unpleasant hydrogen sulfide odor are characterized by the appearance of a white coating on the root of the tongue, regardless of food intake and oral hygiene procedures. Most often, patients with these symptoms have gastritis or peptic ulcer against the background of increased acidity of gastric juice.

Sour breath

Sour breath is also indicative of gastroenterological diseases. Usually a sour smell appears in the early stages of gastritis and is often the only symptom of the disease.

Bitter breath

A bitter smell in the presence of a bitter taste in the mouth, regardless of the time of day and food intake, may indicate diseases of the liver and gallbladder. Often, an additional symptom is the appearance of a yellow coating on the tongue, despite hygiene procedures. If the disease is in the early stages of development, in addition to an unpleasant odor and plaque, there may be no other symptoms. Over time, digestive disorders, a general deterioration in well-being, the appearance of pain in the side, etc. are possible.

The smell of acetone from the mouth

The smell of acetone and a sweetish taste most often indicate endocrine disorders, in particular, the development of diabetes mellitus. Considering the fact that in many cases diabetes is asymptomatic and is detected in a patient when critical pathologies are detected, a timely visit to a doctor when an odor appears can protect against a serious illness.

Ammonia and putrid odors

Ammonia breath is an indication of a disease in the genitourinary system, usually the kidneys or bladder. A sharp putrid odor is a typical manifestation of dental diseases: diseases of the teeth, gums, depending on the degree of development, can be characterized by a sharp unpleasant odor. Often, with diseases of the teeth, a plaque on the tongue of a white or yellowish color can be observed.

Treating bad breath

If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Regardless of the nature of the smell and the results of self-observation, it is better to contact several specialists in parallel. Since bad breath can be triggered by a whole range of diseases, it is better to take drastic measures to determine the causes.

The first medical specialist to visit is the dentist. Based on the results of the initial examination, assessment of the current state of health of the teeth, gums and hardware testing of breath odor, the doctor will conclude about the possible causes of bad breath.

If the diagnosis shows purely dental reasons, treatment should be started immediately, according to the schedule developed by the doctor. If during the examination no signs of dental diseases and pathologies were revealed, the current state of health of the teeth and gums could not provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor, the patient is referred for a consultation with other specialist doctors, for example, a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, otolaryngologist. Our dentistry is located in the same building as the Diamed multidisciplinary clinic, where all the listed specialists will consult you at a convenient time for you.

At the dentist's appointment, try to describe the situation in as much detail as possible: how long ago did you notice the bad smell, how did it happen; if there are additional symptoms besides smell - coating on the tongue, taste, etc. - be sure to talk about it; notify the doctor about the results of self-observation - when the smell is especially active, whether its intensity changes during the day depending on food intake, etc. It will also be important to mention the recent treatment or the constant intake of any medications. Do not be shy about the dentist, this is the doctor who will save you from bad breath!

The six main culprits of bad breath

Bad breath (halitosis) can be a very uncomfortable symptom that makes you feel uncomfortable during social interactions or intimate situations. That is why it is important to understand the causes of halitosis well. Here are six possible causes of halitosis and how to fix them:

1. YOU DO NOT CARE FOR YOUR TEETH AND GUM PROPERLY

Halitosis can be caused by bacterial plaque that constantly builds up on, around and between teeth. Bacteria break down food particles in the mouth, releasing a foul-smelling gas that causes bad breath.

The best way to prevent this is to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use dental floss to remove plaque and food from hard-to-reach places between your teeth.

2. YOU MAY BE DEVELOPING GUM DISEASE

Halitosis can be one of the first signs of gum disease because halitosis is caused by the same bacterial plaque buildup along the gum line as bleeding gums. If not removed, bacterial plaque can cause bleeding and swelling of the gums, symptoms of gingivitis. If left untreated, this can lead to more serious gum problems. Contact your dentist immediately.

To effectively fight inflamed and bleeding gums*, brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste such as Parodontax, which is specifically formulated to eliminate much more bacteria than regular toothpaste**.
*Yankel et al., 1993; Yankell and Emiling, 1988

**Removes more plaque, the main cause of bleeding gums, after professional teeth cleaning in the dentist's office and subsequent brushing with Parodontax toothpaste (excluding Parodontax Whitening) with at least 67% sodium bicarbonate, 2 times a day, compared to regular toothpaste that does not contain sodium bicarbonate.

3. DO YOU CONSUME CERTAIN FOOD AND DRINKS

If you eat strong-smelling foods such as garlic, onions, or spices, or drink coffee or alcohol, this can ruin your breath for a while. To avoid this, do not consume such foods or drinks.

4. DO YOU SMOK OR CHIVE TOBACCO

Smoking cigarettes and pipes, and sniffing and chewing tobacco can cause bad breath. Smoking can also discolor your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. If you quit smoking, your mouth will be healthier, your teeth will be whiter, and your breath will be fresher.

5. YOU ARE ON A RADICAL DIET

Fasting or a radical or low carbohydrate diet can have the side effect of bad breath.

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