At a Glance
Bad breath in a child most often has its cause in the mouth itself: poor hygiene, a coated tongue, gum inflammation, tooth decay or breathing through the mouth. Treatment is aimed at the cause.
- It is worth ruling out causes in the teeth, gums and tongue first: they are the most common sources of the smell.
- Daily hygiene of the teeth, tongue and the spaces between the teeth helps, but it does not replace an examination if the smell does not go away.
- Breath fresheners only mask the smell temporarily.
- If the dentist finds no cause in the mouth, a doctor of another specialty may be needed.
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Where Bad Breath in a Child Comes From
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, and the mouth itself is a warm environment where they grow well. The bacteria feed on food left in the mouth and leave behind waste products with an unpleasant smell. So the cleanliness of the teeth, tongue and the spaces between the teeth directly affects the smell of the breath.
The causes can be harmless, or they can point to a problem: in some cases the smell is a signal that your child needs to see a doctor.
Causes of Bad Breath in a Child
Causes of bad breath in a child and what to do about them
| Cause | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Poor hygiene, food debris, a coated tongue | Brush twice a day, gently clean the tongue and between the teeth |
| Gum inflammation, tooth decay | Show your child to a dentist |
| Breathing through the mouth, a dry mouth | Tell the doctor about it: the cause needs to be found |
| Conditions outside the mouth, for example tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils) or sinusitis (inflamed sinuses) | If the dentist has ruled out causes in the mouth, see a paediatrician |
A persistent smell or a constant bad taste can be a sign of advanced gum disease. So do not hide the smell behind fresheners: they only mask it temporarily.
What You Can Do at Home
- Brush your child’s teeth and gums gently twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Once a day, gently clean the tongue with a soft brush.
- Clean between the teeth every day: the dentist will advise a method that suits your child’s age.
- Limit sweet things and frequent snacks.
When to See a Dentist With Your Child
Book an examination if:
- the smell does not go away after a few weeks of careful hygiene;
- the gums are sore, swollen or bleed;
- a tooth bothers your child or there is a visible hole in a tooth;
- your child breathes through the mouth.
If the dentist finds no cause in the mouth, they may advise you to see a doctor of another specialty, for example a paediatrician.
The Limits of This Information
We explain the causes related to the mouth because they are the most common. You cannot find the cause from the smell alone, and home hygiene treats neither tooth decay nor gum inflammation.
We do not recommend giving a child medicines or mouthwashes for the smell without a doctor’s prescription.
Let’s Start With a Consultation
At the appointment we examine your child’s teeth and gums to find out whether the smell is related to the mouth. Learn more on the Pediatric Dentistry page. You can read about removing plaque on the “Professional Teeth Cleaning” page, and, if the cause is decay, about Caries Treatment for Children.
When Not to Put Off a Visit
See a doctor sooner if the smell comes with pain, a swollen face, a fever or difficulty opening the mouth.
Sources
- NHS. Bad breath. https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/bad-breath/
- American Dental Association. Bad Breath: 6 Causes (and 6 Solutions). MouthHealthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath
- Bawazir O.A. Risk factors, diagnosis, and management of halitosis in children: a comprehensive review. J Contemp Dent Pract. 2021;22(8):959–963. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10024-3139
Article author: Alina Herasymenko
pediatric dentist, experience 9 years
More about the doctor and bookingFAQ
Why does my child have bad breath?
Can bad breath in a child come from the stomach?
How can I get rid of bad breath in a child?
When should I see a doctor about bad breath in a child?
What if the teeth are healthy but there is a smell?
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. See a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
