Bad breath in children cannot be ignored

Poor diet is a common cause of halitosis

Sometimes parents associate the occurrence of bad breath with the fact that the baby may have eaten something too odorous or stale.
Indeed, some foods can leave a not entirely pleasant smell for a long time - garlic, radishes or radishes, onions, cabbage, corn. Drinking certain juices and carbonated drinks also contributes to this. But the smell should not be very persistent - ventilation of the organs and natural cleansing of the oral cavity should quickly cope with it.

Often such a sign can occur after an excessive feast, when the baby at the festive table simply ate too much. The digestive system, in its normal mode, cannot process excess food, so it stagnates in the stomach - this is where unpleasant belching with a putrid unpleasant odor occurs. This also happens in children who are prone to overeating and obesity - for them this symptom can often be chronic. If the diet shifts towards protein foods, this stimulates constant rotting processes.

Correct introduction of the first complementary foods during breastfeeding will help avoid the appearance of excess weight in children. Very often this problem occurs among sweet lovers. Waste products released by colonies of microorganisms can cause an unpleasant odor.

The key to fresh breath is hygiene

It is imperative to pay attention to the condition of the oral cavity. Maybe the child is too lazy to brush his teeth, or he does it just for show, without thoroughly cleaning the gums and interdental space. Therefore, in this case, it is possible that the baby has developed and is developing caries, and the appearance of the smell is connected precisely with this.

You need to take care of your oral cavity as soon as your baby gets his first teeth. Colonies of pathogenic microorganisms develop well in a poorly cleaned oral cavity.

Take a good look at the condition of the oral mucosa - mothers are sometimes able to detect signs of stomatitis or other inflammations.

There can be a lot of food debris left on the mucous membrane of the tongue and parents should not forget about this. Very young children need to regularly clean their tongues of plaque; as they grow older, you need to teach them to do this on their own.

If there is insufficient salivation, consult a doctor

In some cases, bad breath may be associated with the use of certain medications.

The oral cavity in children should not be dry. Due to its composition, saliva is destructive for microorganisms; it takes part in the self-cleaning of the oral cavity, simply washing away all food debris.

In case of insufficient salivation, parents should definitely consult a doctor for advice. Perhaps this condition was caused by taking certain medications. The periods after illnesses during which the baby took antibiotics for a long time are very dangerous.

Be sure to check the normal secretion of the salivary glands.

How does a child's age affect bad breath?

Surely all parents remember the smell of a baby's breath - a pleasant, milky aroma.
This happens as a result of the activity of lactic acid bacteria, which create a favorable environment and prevent pathogenic microflora from multiplying. The smell from the mouth of a child under one year old should be exactly like this, reeking of milk. Bad breath in a child aged 2-3 years indicates poor oral hygiene, since the child at this age is just learning to brush his teeth properly. Observe him during the procedure and explain how important it is to monitor the condition of the mouth.

Bad breath in a 4-year-old child is most likely associated with an excess of sweets, protein and carbohydrate foods, since children at this age actively explore the world around them, discover new tastes and put not only edible treats in their mouths, but also any interesting things in general .

In a 5-6 year old child, bad breath indicates the possible development of pathological processes. The dentist and pediatrician will find out the cause of the problem and prescribe treatment while the disease is at an early stage.

Bad breath after 10 years in a child is an alarming symptom. He can talk about poor nutrition, disturbances in the functioning of the body. If the smell persists for a long time, visit a specialist as soon as possible.

Bad breath can cause respiratory diseases

If there is no visible pathology in the oral cavity, visiting a pediatric dentist can also add clarity to the fact that the cause of the unpleasant odor may be respiratory diseases. And if there are no other symptoms, you should definitely go to the pediatrician.

Tonsillitis

Acute or chronic forms of tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) contribute to the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms and their reproduction, the formation of mucus and suppuration. Very often this condition is accompanied by bad breath.

The structure of the tonsils themselves is cavernous; small decomposing particles of food sometimes accumulate in their cavities.

Regular gargling should be included in the list of mandatory hygiene procedures.

Bronchitis

With bronchitis (inflammation of the respiratory tract) of various etiologies or pneumonia, often bad breath can be one of the manifestations of these diseases.

A lot of sputum accumulates in the bronchioles and bronchi, which comes out when coughing, and it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor.

Adenoids and rhinitis

One of the causes of bad breath is accumulated phlegm.

With rhinitis (runny nose) of an allergic or infectious nature, purulent masses always form abundantly, and discharge flows down the back wall of the nasopharynx. This mucus decomposes under the influence of bacteria, resulting in the release of volatile sulfur compounds with a very unpleasant odor.

When the adenoids are inflamed or overgrown, when they block the posterior nasal passages (most of their lumen), as well as a runny nose, the baby breathes through the mouth, which causes the oral cavity to dry out. This contributes to the massive proliferation of colonies of microorganisms and various unpleasant symptoms.

Why do adenoids enlarge in a child?

For small children, be sure to make sure that he does not put anything in his nostril. The baby could even forget about it and the foreign body does not bother him in any way, but this will result in irritation of the mucous membrane, secretion of mucus with an unpleasant odor and difficulty in nasal breathing.

Causes of iso smell in children

Why does my child have bad breath? All parents are sensitive to the health of their children, and any changes in the baby’s well-being cause anxiety and sometimes panic. We have compiled a table of deviations in which concern is more than justified.

Dry mouth is another possible cause of bad breath in a child. Infants constantly accumulate saliva in their mouths. It is saturated with oxygen, which destroys harmful bacteria on the gums and tongue. Older children produce less saliva, and dry mouth can be attributed to a number of factors.

• Adenoids, formations on the tonsils, block the nasopharynx. Air enters the lungs through the mouth much more freely than through the nose.
• Sinusitis or chronic runny nose also prevents the baby from inhaling through the nose.
• A deviated nasal septum may obstruct air flow.
• Unconscious breathing through the mouth during sleep. In this case, you may notice a particularly strong odor from the child’s mouth in the morning, then the best solution would be an examination by a pediatric otolaryngologist.

Digestive problems

Often true halitosis occurs as a consequence of serious dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as metabolic disorders. If you can rule out causes that are related to the respiratory system, be sure to undergo a complete examination of the digestive organs.

If a child has a sour smell from his mouth, this may indicate problems with the upper intestines and stomach. This often happens in the chronic course of gastroesophageal reflux, when a certain amount of undigested food soaked in gastric juice is thrown into the esophagus. This causes an unpleasant belching with a characteristic odor.

Also, such a symptom sometimes indicates developing gastritis, duodenitis, and even the beginning of an ulcerative process. Helicobacter infection cannot be ruled out, since the duodenum and stomach are the ideal place in which its colonies develop.

A bad odor can also occur when digested food masses stagnate in the intestines due to the accumulation of helminths (worms) in it.

An unpleasant odor often occurs due to intestinal dysbiosis - a pathological condition that accompanies increased gas formation, bloating, and frequent diarrhea. In some cases, such a disorder may be almost asymptomatic, with the exception of bad breath.

If there is a pronounced smell of raw liver in a child, one can immediately suspect the presence of hepatitis or liver failure. Also, if this organ is damaged, a rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) smell may occur.

An alarming symptom is the smell of ammonia from the mouth of children. In this case, it is imperative to check the condition of the urinary system and in particular the kidneys.

Causes of bad breath in adults: how to remove, get rid of and what to do about the problem

Dental causes of halitosis

How to quickly remove bad breath at home is a question that interests many. The surest way is to identify the source and then eliminate it. Most often, the answer is to eliminate all “dental” problems.

We must not forget about the production of saliva. In a number of diseases, it becomes less liquid, which leads to dryness, thereby interfering with the self-cleaning of the oral cavity. As a result, the rate of reproduction and development of bacterial colonies increases.

Microbial plaque on teeth, food debris

The smallest pieces of food are excellent conditions for the active activity of pathogenic microorganisms. If you ignore regular cleaning or do it incorrectly, the bacterial layer will only accumulate. Subsequently, the process of rotting begins, which leads to the development of a stench. If a person continues to neglect hygiene, a stone forms and it becomes impossible to remove bad breath at home, qualified help from a specialist is needed.

Microbial plaque on the tongue

It is a mistake to think that germs can accumulate only on the surface of the teeth. To eliminate them, you need to clean not only your teeth, but also your cheeks, tongue and palate. If hygiene is not observed, you will encounter not only problems with bad “aroma” from the oral cavity, but also dental diseases. The solution may be professional hygiene once every 6-7 months, as well as competent daily care.

Inflammatory gum diseases

It is also a good environment for pathogenic microflora – inflammation of the gums and pulp. Adult patients with this diagnosis begin to complain of bad breath, but the reasons do not end there.

In case of inflammation of the gums near the wisdom tooth

A kind of hood of soft tissue is formed, where food debris, bacteria, and microbes collect. Education complicates the process of cleaning and care, as a result, rotting of the dentition begins, which leads to the development of stench. The solution is careful regular hygiene using a brush, rinse and other products. If this doesn't help, make an appointment with your dentist.

Caries and rotting under crowns

It is the most common dental disease. It creates cavities where pathogenic microorganisms are deposited and collected. In such areas, rotting begins, as a result, an “aroma” develops and the patient wonders how to get rid of bad breath quickly and forever. Putrefactive processes can also develop under the crowns. To eliminate them, you must urgently contact a specialist and eliminate the process.

Dentures

Installed removable and fixed dental structures require careful regular care, since a large number of pieces of food, as well as microbial plaque, accumulate in the area around them. Lack of attention to care procedures can lead not only to bad breath, but also to damage to the prosthesis itself. You can learn about all the intricacies of care from your doctor or during a consultation with Dentiki specialists.

What the varieties say

So, we looked at the causes and treatment for very strong bad breath in adult men and women. Another important point is that the type of “aroma” must be taken into account. First you need to do a breath freshness test, and then evaluate what the stench resembles. Let's look at the main types.

Putrefactive

It develops as a result of the activity of bacteria that accumulate in the oral cavity itself or in the organs of the digestive system. Microorganisms release sulfur compounds during their metabolism, which causes a sharp “amber.”

Rotten eggs

In 90% of all cases, this is a sure sign of advanced, untreated periodontitis or cavities affected by caries. In the remaining 10%, the reason lies in problems with the gastrointestinal tract: an excess of protein products that break down and actively release hydrogen sulfide.

Acid

Acidic notes indicate a wide range of diseases: gastritis, poor functioning of the esophagus, the presence of ulcers. If in addition the patient complains of heartburn and belching, it is necessary to perform a complete gastroenterological examination.

Acetone

As mentioned above, this is a sure sign of diabetes. In addition, this “aroma” indicates malfunctions in the functioning of the thyroid gland, complications from a cold or acute respiratory viral infection.

Ammonia

In most cases, such breathing is caused by taking medications with an increased concentration of amino acids or vitamins. The alternative that experts often point to is a carbohydrate-free diet, which puts high stress on the kidneys and liver. Increased fluid intake can normalize the situation; it is better to give preference to water. If this measure does not help, a comprehensive examination of the whole body is necessary.

Feces

Before considering the causes and treatment of bad breath with folk remedies, let us mention one more type. Fecal stench can be a consequence of consuming certain foods, such as onions or garlic. If you have not eaten them, or 3-4 days have already passed since your last meal containing them, you need to promptly take action. This is a signal and sign of ailments in the respiratory tract and nasopharynx, problems in the functioning of the salivary glands or progressive pulmonary tuberculosis. It’s better to play it safe – make an appointment with a doctor and get diagnosed.

In the morning

When we sleep, the body and its processes slow down, and saliva production decreases. Gums and teeth are not adequately protected from pathogenic microorganisms that are beginning to develop at an active pace. As a result, the concentration of bacteria and microbes increases, and their waste products cause bad breath.

A dangerous symptom is the smell of acetone from the mouth

If you smell acetone in your child’s breath, be sure to consult a doctor; this indicates serious problems with the metabolism and endocrine system. Sometimes such a symptom may indicate that the baby is beginning to develop diabetes.

If a laboratory blood test shows the sugar level is within normal limits, then a condition such as an acetonemic crisis with a characteristic odor and vomiting can occur as a result of overwork, poisoning, and in some cases even due to nervous stress.

Be sure to check the functioning of the thyroid gland - if the normal production of thyroid hormones, which are directly responsible for metabolic processes, is disrupted, the concentration of acetone in the blood may increase, and this is accompanied by a characteristic odor.

Differences and features of bad breath

Depending on the cause, bad breath in children may have specific manifestations that are characteristic of the development of certain pathologies.

What smell, what does it indicate?

1. Acetone. It is the result of the accumulation of acetoacetic acid and acetone in the child’s body. This symptom is considered quite dangerous, since it may be a sign of tachycardia, urolithiasis or diabetes.
2. Putrefactive. Characteristic of the symptoms of ENT diseases, esophageal disorders and some dental diseases (caries, periodontitis, etc.).
3. Sour. A sign of gastritis, disturbances in the level of acidity or other pathologies of the functionality of the pancreas.
4. Rotten. A symptom of improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which may be associated with the accumulation of hydrogen sulfide in the stomach. Rotten breath also occurs in children with kidney or liver diseases.
5. Acetic. The aroma of vinegar occurs with intestinal dysbiosis, dysfunction of the pancreas and periodontal disease.
6. Purulent. The appearance of purulent odor from the mouth is a serious sign, which in most cases signals the occurrence of a hidden purulent process inside the tissues of the teeth or even internal organs.
7. Sweet. Appears in children with liver diseases, more often with cirrhosis of the liver.
8. Chlorine. The aroma of bleach can indicate the progression of periodontal disease and bleeding gums.

Against the background of high temperature in children, due to severe overheating, active reproduction and then decomposition of bacteria occurs, which form pathological mucus - pus or sputum. It is these secretions that often accompany acute respiratory diseases, in which purulent breath is the norm.

Psycho-emotional state disorder

Sometimes halitosis can occur in children after severe excitement.

In some cases, the cause of halitosis may be hidden in the environment that surrounds the child. The fragile psyche reacts too painfully and sensitively to stressful situations, which can be almost invisible to adults, but for a child they are a serious test.

When the nervous system is overexcited, dry mouth, acetonemic crises with all their consequences mentioned above, and digestive disorders are possible.

You need to talk to your child to try to find out the root cause of worries and fears. Maybe he has problems in the children's team (conflicts in the yard, at school or kindergarten). Older children also have more serious problems. Sometimes this syndrome can occur due to failures in studies or during exams.

Children often have problems with their home environment - they experience constant fear of possible punishment for various little things - unassembled toys, something dropped on the floor, etc. He may be afraid to once again disturb adults with a question that worries him, as he may receive an irritated answer.

Such a nervous state often results in various disturbances in the functioning of the child’s body, which can result in bad breath.

If your baby is very worried, give him a slightly acidified drink and calm him down by any available means. Once the environment is normalized and stress is relieved, halitosis should disappear.

Prevention

Teach your baby to practice good hygiene from an early age. Do not forget about regular visits to the dentist, it is better if they are joint.

In childhood, the diet should not contain unnecessary excesses; it must be correct. It is better if you ask a nutritionist all questions related to this.

Be sure to create and maintain a favorable psychological environment; you will assist your child in solving his problems, even if in your opinion they seem ridiculous.

If bad breath occurs for no apparent reason, do not wait for anything, but consult a doctor immediately. Maybe he can just dispel all parental fears and give the necessary advice.