Bad Breath In Infants And Solutions

Halitosis is also known as bad breath. It occurs when hydrogen sulphide gas ooze out of the mouth due to microorganisms digesting food particles in the mouth within the tongue, teeth, gum line and the surface of the tonsils. It is very common in adult with poor oral hygiene. This is because the teeth can hold in food particles for microbes to feed on. This is not the case with children and infants.
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New born don't have teeth. They feed on liquid food. These food don't stay in the mouth for long. This is the main reason children hardly develop bad breath. The story change from the very moments they start eating solid food and have grown teeth. But funny enough, some children without teeth at an early age develop bad breath. The reasons are not far fetched.

Halitosis in infants

New Born And Bad Breath

Some children develop bad breath early. This can give parents enough reasons to worry. Knowing what can cause it can help a parent plan out a solution on time. Below are some of the cause of bad breath in infants;
a. Acid Reflux: think only adults develop acid reflux then think again. This happens due to indigestion. The acid comes back to the esophagus. This lead to some strong odour coming out from the mouth
b. Regurgitation: just like it is in reflux, children regurgitate food when they consume too much or had a bad sleep pattern at night. The food comes back to the throat. The food provides materials for microbes in the mouth to feast on
c. Dry Mouth: the mouth is suppose to be moist. Children that suck their fingers or breath through their mouth cause the mouth to dry out. This create a suitable environment for microbes to thrive on and cause bad breath
d. Drugs: many adult drugs cause bad breath. Some children drugs are not left out
e. Disease: stuffy nose create a condition difficult for the baby to breath through the nose. Using the mouth to breath create aadry environment in the mouth leading to bad breath. An infected catarrh can produce strong bad smell. Children with teeth can also suffer from dental buildup and abscess. Well, gum disease is not very common in children but that cannot be ruled out as it is one of the main cause of bad breath in adult

Solution To Bad Breath In Children

There are simple things parents can do to prevent and solve bad breath in their children. They should try gum cleansers as from 3 months. These cleansers are fluoride free hence not bad if swallowed by children. It can be done morning and evening. It requires cleaning the gum line with the product using a small cotton wool.
It is necessary to switch to paste when the child gets to 2 years and above. The quantity of paste should gradually increase from a pea size to adult size as the child learn to use it as time goes on.
It is necessary to give water to a child after eating. This is especially important for infants without teeth as it helps to flush down the left over food in the mouth and help preventing microbes from feasting on it.
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And lastly, avoid giving the child food with pungent smell like onions, garlic and suya as it gives them bad breath.
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