Home Categories Submit Republish Tools Links Credits Contact
Popular Articles
 
     
 
 Categories
 
 
Submit your articles online!

Bad Breath In Children

By: Cindy Paiva

Published: September 7, 2009
Link To Article Link To Article  E-mail Article E-mail Article  Republish Article Republish Article

Most kids would go out of their way to avoid eating garlic or onions, yet it is not unusual for a child to wake up with very smelly breath. Throughout the day, a child’s saliva, swished by the mouth muscles, washes away unwanted debris. As soon as a child falls asleep, saliva production plummets, and the muscles relax. The longer a child sleeps, the higher the bacterial count in the mouth rises, resulting in "morning breath."

In children, smelly breath that persists throughout the day is most often the result of mouth-breathing, which dries out the mouth and allows the bacteria to grow. Children who consistently breathe through their mouths might have colds, sinus infections, allergies, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids blocking the nasal passages, so again, a visit to the pediatrician is in order. Thumbsucking or sucking on a blanket can also dry out the mouth.

To improve most cases of bad breath, the goal is to decrease mouth bacteria and increase saliva. The better your child’s tooth brushing technique, the smaller number of bacteria will be present. Make after-meal brushing a habit. Use a timer to help maintain brushing for at least two minutes. Be sure he or she brushes her tongue. You might also try a rotary electric toothbrush. I do not recommend mouthwashes or fluoride rinses in children, since kids tend to swallow them. Breath mints may mask the problem, but don’t get at the source. As your child gets older, sugarless sour candy or sugarless chewing gum can get the saliva flowing and get those mouth muscles moving.

If the mouth odor problem persists, she or he should see a physician. Bad breath in children that doesn’t respond to the above measures should be investigated.

For more health information visit http://blogs.drgreene.com/blog/2009/04/23/bad-breath/

 


Visitor Comments

Post Comment Post A Comment
What do you think about this article? Do you agree or disagree with it? Be the first to comment on this article, and share your thoughts with the world. No registration is required to post comments.

Article Icon Day Care Programs
It certainly would not be an understatement to say that nearly every parent needs a baby sitter at some point in their child's life. No matter what the reason for needing a sitter - everyone can agree that...
Article Icon So Much Phoenix To Enjoy With Children
When you are kid-free, finding the perfect Phoenix real estate to buy is actually very easy. You don't have to worry about finding Phoenix homes that are near schools or finding places where you'll get a...
Article Icon Encourage Children To Develop New Skills By Introducing Them Working With Art Materials
An ideal method to encourage children to develop skills at an early age is by intruding them to art materials. This will not only encourage them to express themselves, but is also great in helping them to...
Article Icon Early 20th Century Offered A Treasury Of Children's Literature
The early 20th century produced a wealth of children's literature that stands the test of time and has been cherished by generations of children for nearly a century.
Article Icon Transform Your Spare Room In To A Children's Recreation Or Games Room
When you enter into a child's bedroom or games room usually you will discover the bedroom left in full disarray. The floor that at one time existed within the room has currently been entirely covered in toys.
Article Icon 3 Key Ways That Quality Children's Literature Benefits Your Child
There are several key ways that quality children's literature benefits your child: it teaches mature vocabulary, brings history to life, and stimulates and expands your child's imagination. Bethlehem Books is
Article Icon The Battle Of Relocating Children In A Divorced Family
The Battle of Relocating Children in a Divorced Family
Article Icon Best Tips For Potty Training Boys Easy And Fast
Learn how to potty train your baby boy. Check out these useful potty training tips for boys and help him get out of diapers forever.
Article Icon How To Start Your Toddler's Potty Training Program
Start potty training your child the right way. Learn the basics on how to potty train your child; the best toilet training techniques explained here.
Article Icon Siblings And Fighting
Let's face it, siblings of any age are bound to fight, and they will go through times when it seems to never end, and you are ready (or already have) to pull your hair out. Though it seems like an endless...

Article Icon Cold Medicine For Your Kids
The Green Ratio for many popular over-the-counter cough and cold medicines is worst for kids under age 6, and I don't recommend them for children under age 6.
Article Icon Hand Washing: Double Bonus
Clean hands before eating offers the invisible bonus of lowering exposure to PBDEs and other chemical pollutants. House dust and germs may be worse in the winter.
Article Icon Choosing The Right Vitamin Supplement For Your Children
Whatever vitamin you choose, make sure you help your family establish the simple habit of taking a daily multivitamin/mineral. It's a smart way to make sure your kids have the nutritional fortitude they...
Article Icon 5 Tips For Saving Money On Medical Care
The only thing worse than being sick is spending money you don't have on your health! Here are five tips for saving money on medical care costs.
Article Icon The Organic Lunchbox
Children should get a variety of healthy foods. The foods should be such that make an ideal lunch, loaded with body-building vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients.
Article Icon Recycling, Check. Upcycling, What's That?
The concepts of recycling and upcycling are important because modern economies are built on consumer goods and spending and whether you think that is right or wrong, the system is likely here to stay.
Article Icon Cooking Organic Food From Scratch: Not Hard, Not Expensive
I started the Cook organic food for Good experiment and I found great change in my life. We were surprised to find that not only was it possible, but that other good things happened when we did eat so cheaply.


Print This Article Print This Article
Add To Favorites Add To Favorites
Cite This Article Cite This Article
 
 
Home | Categories | Submit | Republish | Tools | Links | Credits | Contact | Privacy Statement | Terms Of Use
Copyright © 2012 InfoServe Media, LLC (DBA PopularArticles.com). All rights reserved.