Bad breath, or halitosis, in children is often the result of bacteria building up between teeth or on the back of the tongue. In other cases, certain foods that your child consumes, sinus conditions, improper dental hygiene or an underlying medical condition might be the culprit. If the bad breath continues after attempting the self-care methods explained here, look for medical attention. Before utilizing any these home remedies seek advice from your healthcare provider to go over any potential health risks.
Home Remedies for Bad Breath in Kids
Hydration
A dry mouth reduces the production of saliva, which plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and bacteria in a child’s mouth. Encourage your child to drink more water, and if the child is older you might suggest that he chew sugarless gum or draw on a piece of sugarless sweet to promote saliva to assist minimize or remove his dry mouth. Prevent soft drinks because they might leave a residual smell if they attach to the plaque in your child’s mouth.
Tongue Brushing
Dr. Eric Shapira, a dental expert in El Granada, California, and an assistant medical teacher at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California, recommends brushing your tongue while you are brushing your teeth. The tongue has hair-like projections that can harbor plaque and bacteria from the things that you eat. Shapira keeps in mind that sweeping the top of your tongue with a toothbrush will help eliminate the food and bacteria left on the back of the tongue that may cause bad breath. Teaching your child the correct methods of brushing her teeth and consisting of tongue brushing in the routine may help to decrease bad breath.
Gargling
Making a gargle with natural extracts of sage, calendula and myrrh gum in equal parts is a way to combat bad breath and can be consumed to 4 times daily by older children, according to Dr. Jerry F. Taintor, an endodontist in Memphis Tennessee. Keep the homemade mouthwash in a securely sealed container at room temperature. In the beginning, your child may not like the smell or taste of the gargle, but the desire for fresh breath might exceed that drawback. In addition, Taintor recommends if your child is not able to brush his teeth or use mouthwash after a meal, that he try simply rinsing with a sip of water after meals or a minimum of swishing water around inside his mouth to wash out food particles may assist reduce mouth smell from food.
Parsley
Consuming a piece of parsley after meals or adding it to your meals is a natural method to assist neutralize bad breath. Parsley is a moderate antiseptic and helps in the food digestion process, while minimizing digestive tract gas that may contribute to halitosis. Consuming parsley in large amounts may cause liver and kidney damage, however, so seek advice from your health supplier prior to use.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is popular in many natural home remedy, including those for lowering or getting rid of bad breath smells. You can dilute 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and have your child drink it prior to consuming a meal, or rinse with it for 10 seconds after the meal. Apple cider vinegar has anti-bacterial properties and helps in digestion, however minimal research details is available on how it works as a breath freshener. Consuming large quantities of apple cider vinegar might damage tooth enamel, the esophagus and soft tissue in the body, so seeking advice from a doctor is a good idea before use.