Childhood Bad Breath

At Bayberry Dental Care, Dr. Kathleen Falsey runs an office that is friendly to children. Like everyone else, children sometimes suffer from bad breath, but a lack of brushing may not be the only reason for this.

When teaching children to brush, it’s important to teach them that their tongues need brushing as much as their teeth. Bacteria find a welcoming environment on the tongue, as well as in the tonsils, and build-up in these areas produces a bad smell. Nasal drip also increases bacteria growth. While adults are probably aware that a sinus infection causes nasal drip, they may not know that a foreign object stuck in the child’s nose can have the same result. Mouth sores can also contribute to bad breath.

Besides infections, dry mouth is another cause of bad breath. Children can easily become dehydrated during play, but dry mouth is also a common side-effect of medications. Some medications for ADHD and anxiety are known to cause bad breath. Children who breathe through their mouths tend to dry out a lot. And, of course, dry mouth itself puts a patient at greater risk for infections.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.