Bad breath is one of the most frustrating dental issues around. But luckily we have some tips to get to the root of the problem and solve it! In today’s post, we’re offering up our best tips for dealing with bad breath.
Keep a Clean Mouth
Okay, this may seem like an obvious one, but poor oral hygiene is a huge contributor to bad breath. We have to instill great oral health habits at an early age to set our children up for success for years to come. Make sure your kids are brushing at least twice every day and flossing daily. They should be brushing for a full two minutes. You can make the process better for them by purchasing fun toothbrushes, flavored toothpaste, and even by brushing your own teeth side-by-side with them!
Brush the Tongue
Tongues need to be cleaned daily as well as teeth. Kids probably won’t naturally think to brush their tongue unless they are reminded. Some kids also have a strong gag reflex so they might have better luck with a tongue scraper. Gently brushing or scraping the tongue regularly will keep bacteria from building up and help control bad breath.
Sugary Swaps
Great at-home oral care? Check. So what’s causing that stinky smile? Diet! If your child is munching on sugar and carb filled food, then they’re likely housing some bacteria that’s contributing to bad breath. Try swapping things like cookies and candy for healthy yet satisfying snacks like carrots, apples, and even sugarfree gum. All of these options actually serve to clean the surface of the teeth a bit while they chew.
Come See Us
If your child says they are brushing their teeth but they are still struggling with bad breath, bring them in to see us. We can identify any other root causes not mentioned here, like infections or gum disease. We can also let you know if they’re doing a good job caring for their teeth.
Making Dental Health a Priority in San Antonio, TX
Here at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to get kids to understand the importance of great dental care for life. We provide a wide range of preventive and restorative services. Give our office a call or click the contact link to get your children set up with their next appointment.
