Medical Insider – Dr. Rhodora T. Entero
Bad Breath, Sore Throat:
Could It Be a Warning Sign of Tonsillitis?
(Part 7)
We will now deal with the subject matter entitled “How to Treat Halitosis in Children”.
Preventing halitosis starts with a strong oral hygiene regimen. Follow the following tips and recommendations below:
- Clean the Tongue: Make sure they clean their tongue after brushing their teeth, as it can easily harbor bacteria that causes halitosis.
- Toothpaste Portioning: For kids under three, use a rice-sized dollop of toothpaste. For older kids, use a pea-sized dollop. Make sure they spit and do not swallow out the toothpaste.
- Routine Dentist Appointments: As soon as your child gets his first tooth, make an appointment for routine examinations and cleanings with the dentist to catch any issues with oral hygiene early on.
- Floss Daily: Have kids floss daily to keep the space between their teeth clean as soon as two of them are in contact. By doing this, you can eliminate food particles that cause odors and avoid plaque buildup.
- Two Minutes of Adult-Assisted Brushing: Make sure your child spends two minutes brushing their teeth twice a day. Until you’re sure that your child can brush their teeth correctly on their own, you will need to watch over them or assist them.
Moreover, let us briefly discuss Chronic Halitosis in Children. The dentist may refer you to a primary care physician for further testing to identify the underlying cause of the halitosis if your child’s mouth appears healthy, but your bad breath persists.
This is especially true of persistent halitosis despite the child’s improvement of his oral hygiene practices.
Whatever the reason, you can help your kids form lifelong dental hygiene habits by teaching them the correct techniques for brushing and flossing their teeth.