Fighting Bad Breath Naturally

 www.adelbergpediatricdental.com

As adults, bad breath is something we are all aware of, but did you know children can have halitosis too? 

What is halitosis (bad breath)?
At least 90% of bad breath cases are due to poor dental hygiene. As we eat, food is broken down by the bacteria that naturally lives in our mouths. As the food and proteins are broken down they release a gas - this gas, hydrogen sulfide vapors, is smelly.

The most common cause of halitosis in children is due to plaque buildup and poor dental hygiene. It can be difficult to ensure your children are brushing, flossing, and rinsing thoroughly each time, and missed brushings leave the mouth primed for the bad breath bacteria to begin to multiply. So we have some tips to help fight bad breath naturally:

• Choose toothpaste with Xylitol - Nature’s secret weapon, xylitol can be found in many of the fruits and vegetables we eat everyday. Xylitol aids in preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth and works to keep saliva at a more neutral pH level. Xylitol for dental use can be found in many children’s toothpastes, mouthwashes, and as a chewing gum.
• Stick to water - Encourage your child to drink more water throughout the day to help remove particles stuck between teeth as well as boost saliva production.
• Clean between teeth daily - Many areas of the mouth are somewhat self-cleansing, however the greatest entrapment area is in between the teeth. Food debris and bacteria accumulating over time will not only cause bad breath odors but can also contribute to inflammation.
• Don’t forget about the tongue - Teach your children to brush their entire tongue each time they brush their teeth. Clinical studies have shown that brushing the tongue significantly reduces and removes oral bacteria.

If your child’s bad breath doesn’t respond to the above tactics, there could be a more serious condition at hand. Make sure you have it checked immediately. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s dental health, give any of our three locations a call. We specialize in caring for children’s teeth in a comfortable and caring environment. Call (516) 798-1111 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for updates and industry news!