You probably think of a baby's breath as being sweet and pleasant. There's even a flower named after it. However, as many parents will discover, when a child gets a little older, their breath may not be so pleasant. You might be a little concerned that your child's breath is comparable to the pungent aroma of an adult's bad breath — which is a bit worrying in someone so young. So what are some of the likely causes of your child's bad breath?
Brushing Without Assistance
Is your child brushing their teeth without assistance? The age when a child is capable of brushing without help or supervision varies, but it's usually around the age of eight. Did your child start independently brushing a little ahead of schedule? They may not be doing a sufficiently thorough job, leaving behind significant amounts of plaque. This dental plaque contains bacteria that can emit a sulphuric scent.
Supervise and Assist
You may need to start supervising your child's brushing again, to make sure that they're doing a comprehensive job. You might wish to download a brushing app that times your child's toothbrush habits and plays music for as long as they're supposed to be brushing. There are also electric toothbrushes for children that do the same job.
Tongue and Throat Cleaning
Oral bacteria that live on the tongue and in the throat can also emit sulphuric compounds. Your child can get into the habit of brushing their tongue, and mouthwash can be beneficial (check with your child's dentist before commencing use). Mouthwash is generally appropriate for children aged six and up, and make sure that you choose an alcohol-free variety formulated for children.
An Undetected Cavity
If stepping up your child's level of oral hygiene doesn't improve their breath, you'll need to schedule an appointment with your local children's dentistry clinic. Your child may be experiencing a cavity, and this will not necessarily be noticeable without a professional assessment. It's not a foregone conclusion that a cavity will hurt (at first, anyway). Cavities on molars can escape easy detection, as can interdental cavities (those between teeth). A cavity involves tooth decay, and this can certainly contribute to unpleasant breath.
When a child's breath is as unpleasant as an adult's, it's important to get to the bottom of the matter. When improving their oral hygiene at home has little (or no) effect, you'll need to have them checked out by a dentist.
For more information, contact a dental clinic, such as Geelong Dental Group.
Share6 October 2022
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
