Not only in adults, bad breath can also occur in children. Usually this bad breath appears because the child does not keep his teeth and mouth clean. But apart from that, there are several other diseases or conditions that can also cause bad breath symptoms in children.
Bad breath or halitosis is a condition when the oral cavity emits an unpleasant odor. In addition to bad breath, this condition also usually appears along with other signs and symptoms, such as an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth, a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, dry mouth, and a white tongue.
Causes of Bad Breath pthere is a child who must Diwbeware
Bad breath occurs when bacteria in your teeth and mouth accumulate, and the sulfur compounds released by the bacteria make your breath bad. There are several things that can trigger bad breath, namely:
1. Dental and oral hygiene are not maintained
When your baby's mouth is dirty, the bacteria that live in his mouth will process food residue that is between the teeth and gums, plaque, tongue, or on the surface of the tonsils. This can produce gases and substances that trigger bad breath, especially if food residue builds up over a long period of time.
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth or xerostomia It occurs because the salivary glands in the mouth are unable to produce enough saliva. In fact, saliva is needed to moisturize the mouth, neutralize acids produced by bacteria, and wash away dead cells that have accumulated on the tongue, gums, and cheeks out of the mouth. If not washed off, these cells can cause bad breath.
Dry mouth can also occur as a side effect of various medications, such as cold medications (antihistamines and decongestants), anticonvulsants, allergy medications, and medications for asthma. If the child is often given the drug, then he can experience bad breath.
3. Problems with teeth
If your little one has problems with their teeth, such as cavities, tartar, and tooth abscess, you should be vigilant. This is because the disturbance of the teeth can be the cause of bad breath in children.
4. Certain diseases
Bad breath can also be a sign of health problems in children. Some diseases that can cause bad breath are:
- Sinusitis.
- Tonsillitis.
- Acid reflux disease (GERD).
- mumps.
- Diarrhea.
- Respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Diabetes.
- Disorders of the liver or kidneys.
- Cancer.
5. Foreign body in nose
Foreign objects stuck in the nose can cause bad breath. This often occurs in children or toddlers who often put objects into their mouth or nose.
6. Food
Spicy foods and foods that smell and have a strong taste, such as onions and garlic, can cause bad breath in children. Other foods, such as petai or jengkol, are also often the cause of bad breath.
The Right Solution to Overcome Bad Breath in Children
Handling bad breath in children is not much different from adults. Bad breath can be overcome in simple ways, such as:
- Brush your teeth and clean your tongue twice a day. Don't forget to change your child's toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.
- Gargle with a special mouthwash for children once a day. But remember, mouthwash should not be given to children under 6 years of age.
- Avoid consumption of spicy food and foods that smell pungent, such as onions, petai, and jengkol.
- Drink more water.
- Chew low-sugar gum.
If the natural ways above don't work to get rid of bad breath experienced by your little one, it is recommended that you take your little one to consult a dentist. The dentist will examine it to find out the cause and provide appropriate treatment. If necessary, the dentist will refer your child to an ENT specialist.