Bad breath can be embarrassing for anyone. Does your child have bad breath?

Bad breath can be embarrassing for anyone. Does your child have bad breath? It might not be due to poor oral hygiene habits. There could be any number of reasons why, no matter how dutiful they are about brushing, flossing, and once they get a bit older, using mouthwash. Here are some unexpected causes of bad breath you might not think about. 

A Sinus Infection

If you’ve ever had a sinus infection, then you know how miserable they can make you while they last. Especially given the freezing, windy conditions every day, your child might get sick. However, that sickness might be more than just the common cold. Sinus infections create a perfect hideout for bacteria to gather inside your child’s throat. So if you suspect they might have one, it’s time to call the doctor and see if antibiotics can make a difference.

Something Wrong with Tonsils

Another unexpected reason your child might have bad breath is if something is wrong with their tonsils. You’ll need a flashlight to check on their tonsils – healthy ones will be pink and clear, but infected ones will be an angry red with a collection of white spots, and will definitely smell bad. Again, if their tonsils are inflamed, get in touch with the pediatrician, who, like the general care doctor, might be able to suggest antibiotics that can help.

Their Mouth is Dry

Playtime can get exhausting. Make sure your kids stay properly hydrated whether they’re going out to play in the snow or are staying inside. If your children love to play sports, then you’ll recognize the signs of dehydration and how to treat it. A dry mouth means there’s less saliva to remove any concentrated bacteria, which in turn can make bad breath even worse. Unfortunately, there are some other problems you might not think of that come along with dry mouth, such as cavities or even tooth decay.

Tooth Decay

With cakes, cookies, and candy all in easy reach during the holidays, it can be surprisingly simple for your kids to accumulate multiple cavities. Do your best to help them avoid cavities and tooth decay, including helping them find the toothpaste that they like best. Brushing teeth in the morning, at bedtime, and after any meal can all improve your child’s dental hygiene.

You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs

For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.