Bacteria

On the dock, the bacteria responsible for degrading food residues. While doing their job, they release foul-smelling volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). When food waste is not properly disposed of, these bacteria proliferate, mass produce CSVs, and breath deteriorates. As for adults, in more than 80% of cases, a passage in the chair of the dentist will confirm that the “culprit” is in the mouth: a untreated decay, a tendency to do a lot dental plaque, etc. A cavity, at the beginning, can be painless… and nevertheless cause bad breath. That is why it is important to see a dentist at regular intervals, that is, once a year, even when everything is apparently fine.

Cause of ENT or digestive origin

More rarely, the cause may be of ENT origin (cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.) or digestive (gastroesophageal reflux). Bad breath can also be caused by a foreign body introduced into a nostril, which will eventually cause an infection. It can happen in toddlers. Do not remove the intruder yourself, at the risk of driving it even deeper. See a doctor who can do this for you.

More unexpectedly, when the tonsils or adenoids are too large, the child can breathe only through the mouth, and this can also be the cause of bad breath. The dentist will then refer his little patient to his pediatrician, or an ENT doctor, to treat the cause. And may, for example, schedule a visit to the operating room to remove the tonsils.

“It is also necessary to verify that there is not a drop in production of the salivary glands or a swallowing disorder (neurological cause) in your child”, can we read on the site Pediatre-online.fr. “Very rarely, there may be a germ in the intestine (helicobacter pylori): in this case the pediatrician will ask for a thorough examination (laboratory, or even endoscopy). Very rarely, it can come from a hernia in the stomach. “

This is why it remains important to consult to detect the cause of bad breath, when it is persistent.

Have good oral hygiene

The best solution to get rid of it is above all to adopt a flawless oral hygiene. The pillar is a brushing teeth meticulous, to hunt for dental plaque. Twice a day, for two minutes, after breakfast and after dinner. With a soft, small-headed brush, so that it can squeeze into the tightest areas. From 6 years old, Ufsbd recommends the BROS method:

• “B – Top and bottom brush separately;
• R – Roller or rotary movement to brush teeth and gums from pink to white;
• O – Oblique: the brush is inclined at 45º on the gum;
• S – Follow a path to go around all the teeth without forgetting the top. “

To make brushing more fun, you can use an hourglass, or put on your child’s favorite song.

From the age of 4, children can brush their teeth on their own. But until at least he is 8 years old, you have to check that he is doing it correctly. And complete brushing, if necessary. In addition, Ufsbd recommends the use of dental floss in the evening, to eliminate the bacteria that get lodged between the teeth.

If the bad breath problem comes from the tongue, which is often loaded with bacteria, teach him to brush it – very delicately – with a tongue scraper suitable for his age. Once a day, from back to front. The child must also see the dentist once a year. “He will diagnose any cavities or periodontal diseases that can induce bad breath”, we can read on the website of the French Union for Oral Health, Ufsbd.fr.

Have good hydration

Another reflex to adopt from an early age is good hydration. This is to prevent the bacteria that cause bad breath from stagnating in the mouth. On the plate, it is better to avoid garlic, onion or certain spices (curry, paprika, etc.) whose bad breath effect can last for hours after the end of the meal. To increase the amount of saliva in the mouth and give the breath a temporary flavor, the child can chew sugar-free chewing gum. Or use lozenges. But their effectiveness is short-lived. Hence the importance of following all the previous advice.