The causes for halitosis (bad breath) in children vary. Some children wake up with bad breath because bacteria thrives in their mouths as they sleep. Others may breathe extensively through their noses due to colds, infections, allergies or enlarged adenoids. Still others might have bad breath due to dental issues. Some home remedies can target the underlying causes of halitosis.
Brushing
Brushing the teeth immediately after eating minimizes the bacteria in one's mouth, thus reducing the formation of plaque, which is one of the causes of bad breath. Encourage your child to also brush or scrape the tongue clean after eating. Flossing will remove any debris between teeth that might otherwise promote bacteria growth in the mouth. Older children can chew sugarless gum after meals to help clean the teeth quickly, as gum chewing promotes the creation of saliva, which in turn prevents the formation of dry mouth. Provide your child with a toothpaste containing fluoride and baking soda; the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel, and the baking soda will alter the mouth pH levels to create a less hospitable environment for bad breath-causing bacteria.
Dietary Changes
Simple carbohydrates, sugars, white bread and foods containing processed flour contribute to plaque formation, and thus aid in the onset of bad breath. A child should eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains and fruits to reduce bacteria formations in the mouth. Certain foods are excellent defenses against bad breath. You can offer your child plain sugar-free yogurt to diminish hydrogen sulfide levels in the mouth. You can also serve berries, which minimize bacteria in the mouth. Mint and cinnamon can be eaten to alleviate bad breath, and crunchy snacks such as pears, apples and carrots increase saliva production and reduce dry mouth complications.
If a child wakes up with bad breath, it should be eliminated after he eats breakfast and saliva is created to moisten the mouth. Bad breath due to dry mouth issues can be remedied by consuming more water and by eating citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits, which stimulate saliva production.
Echinacea
Echinacea can be consumed as a tea. This herb has antiviral and antibacterial agents, and thus your child can drink one or two cups per day to get rid of bad breath. You can also allow the child to rinse his mouth with an echinacea mixture, which can serve as a powerful mouthwash and freshener.
Parsley
Have your child to chew on a few parsley sprigs to instantly freshen his breath. High in Vitamin C and iron, this plant has a sweet taste that children will enjoy. It can also be offered as a tea, which can be used as a mouthwash to freshen a child's breath.
When to See a Medical Professional
Bad breath in children can be an indication of a serious underlying condition that warrants medical treatment. Consult a doctor if your child has an unresolved infection of the sinuses; if his tonsils are infected; if he has dental cavities, mouth sores, or symptoms of gum disease; or if the breath is seriously foul without relief. Bad breath in children can sometimes indicate conditions such as respiratory infection, tuberculosis, liver disease, kidney disease, digestive issues, zinc deficiency, cancer or severe dehydration.
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