Babies & Bad Breath

Generally when you think of a bad smell coming from a baby, it has to do with their diaper. While it is relatively uncommon, a number of babies actually have bad breath. While this can be an area of concern for new parents, there are a number of actions that can be taken to remedy or reduce bad breath in babies.

What Causes Bad Breath in Babies?

The mouth is not clean. This is the most likely situation if your baby has bad breath. You can rinse and wipe their mouth, gums and teeth (when they grow in) with water and a soft cloth. This should be done between every feeding and before being put to bed. When your baby is between a year and 18 months, you can begin using a baby toothbrush and flouride-free toothpaste.

Poor diet. Sugary foods increase the rate of bacterial growth. After the nursing phase, you should really try to give your baby digestible food that is low in sugar content.

Something is lodged in their mouth or nasal cavity. Babies and toddlers are notorious for sticking foreign objects in their little noses. Whether it’s a small pea or a tiny toy, this blockage disrupts the normal nasal flow and can cause stinky breath.

Dry mouth. Just like with adults, mouth-breathing reduces the amount of saliva that naturally washes away mouth bacteria. This dry state creates an optimal place for bacteria growth. Dry mouth tends to happen when babies sleep with their mouths open. If you think this may be the case, have your baby drink plenty of water.

An illness or condition. Just like adults, halitosis in babies can be a result of an underlying disease or condition. One thing that is common in babies is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or the regurgitation of food. Your baby may also have sinus, throat or mouth infection. If you think this could be the cause of your child’s breath, we highly recommend you visit a pediatrician.

In more severe cases, your baby may have typhoid fever (baked bread smell), Aasthouse urine disease (celery breath), arsenic or thallium poisoning (garlicky breath). While these cases are much less frequent, they are realistic explanations.

What Can I do About it?

The best way to get rid of your baby’s bad breath is to figure out exactly why it’s happening. We encourage to clean your baby’s mouth regularly and instill in them proper dental care. Check their nose and nasal cavity for lodged items or a sinus issue. Fresh food and plenty of water is another great way to have your baby’s breath smelling and wonderful as they are.

If you think your child may have a serious condition causing their bad breath, we ask that you speak to a pediatrician as soon as possible


About the Author: Dr. Dailley is a practicing dentist in the Bay Area specializing in patients with moderate to severe halitosis. In addition to his bad breath clinic, The Center for Breath Treatment, Dr. Dailley also runs an online store where you can products to treat your bad breath. Browse the selection to find the right halitosis treatment kit today.

Bad Breath FAQs

Halitosis, or bad breath, affects millions of people every day. Every case is different when it comes to halitosis, but as a bad breath specialist, there are some questions that we are frequently asked. By learning more about halitosis and understanding your condition, you stand a better chance of fighting it.

Is Bad Breath Normal?
Yes and no. Like most medical conditions, there are varying degrees of halitosis. It is normal to have the occasional bad breath after waking up or eating certain foods. That being said, chronic or severe bad breath requires special medical attention.

What is the Cause of Halitosis?
Poor dental care: The leading cause of halitosis is a result of individuals not taking adequate care of their teeth. Warding off bad breath is generally as simple as brushing twice a day, flossing and using alcohol-free mouthwash once a day and visiting the dentist twice a year.

Underlying medical condition: In other cases, halitosis is caused by an underlying disease that may be causing excessive bacterial growth resulting in bad breath. Common conditions that cause bad breath are diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, chronic sinusitis and xerostomia. When evaluating your breath, it’s important to consider your whole health, not just your oral health. Halitosis is also a common side-effect in a number of medications.

Lifestyle Choices: T There are also a number of habits and lifestyle choices that can influence your bad breath. Smoking, eating certain foods, not drinking enough water, drinking too much alcohol and eating sugary foods are just some of the things that can lead to bad breath.

How Can I Get Rid of Bad Breath?
The hardest but most essential step in getting rid of bad breath is also the first one: learn what is causing your bad breath. With this knowledge you can begin treating the cause rather than the condition. By properly addressing the root cause, you can find a long-term solution to your bad breath. Many times, bad breath is something you can control.

What are Some Preventative Measures for Bad Breath?
There are is number things you can do that will help your breath smell fresher:

• Practice superior oral care
  
• Drink plenty of water
  
• Have a healthy diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables
  
• Brush your tongue or use a dental scraper

Where Can I Get Treated for Bad Breath?
If you feel like your bad breath can’t be controlled with proper oral care of lifestyle modifications, we recommend that you seek professional help. One option is to speak with a bad breath specialist. The Center for Breath Treatment is located in the Bay Area that sees patients from all over the world. With a 99% success rate, this bad breath clinic can help you overcome your bad breath too.

About the Author: Dr. Dailley is a practicing dentist and bad breath specialist. Dr. Dailley earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of dentistry. Along with operating a bad breath clinic, Dr. Dailley runs an online store with products to get rid of bad breath. Here you will find everything from halitosis treatment kits to products for dry mouth. Dr. Dailley is constantly learning new methodologies and practices to help his patients with their individual condition.