Why Does My Child Have Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be frustrating for kids and their parents, especially if you’re careful about keeping your child’s teeth clean. If you’re worried about what may be causing your child’s bad breath, your child’s dentist in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL, can help. At Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we offer a range of dental solutions for your child’s dental problems and can also help with this.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can have many causes.

Poor oral hygiene. Many children with bad breath experience this problem because of poor oral hygiene habits. Children find it more difficult to brush their teeth and are more susceptible to problems like cavities and gingivitis.

Bacteria buildup on the tongue. Some kids get bad breath because bacteria builds up on their tongue in a white coating. You can see this white coating on their tongue when they stick their tongue out.

Odor-causing food. Sometimes kids just get bad breath because of foods in their normal diet, like garlic and onions. As a parent, you can smell this problem when your child has been eating these specific foods. Other times, your child should have fresh breath.

What Can You Do About Your Child’s Bad Breath?

Parents often brush their child’s teeth to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is good practice for children seven and younger unless your dentist recommends otherwise. If you don’t currently brush your child’s teeth, doing so may help control the bacteria in their mouth. Brushing their teeth for them may also help ensure your child gets brushed every night.

You can also help control your child’s bad breath by bringing them to the dentist as often as their dentist recommends. Is it time to make your child’s next pediatric dental exams in Seminole and St. Petersburg, FL? If so, call Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment.

4 Oral Care Products to Get a Child Excited About Oral Hygiene

Routine pediatric teeth cleanings in Seminole, FL are an important way to protect your child’s teeth. However, good oral hygiene practices and routines at home are even more important. If you have a hesitant child that is reluctant about brushing and flossing, certain oral care products can help.

Well-regarded brands have taken the initiative to get children excited about oral hygiene with a host of child-friendly products. Take a look at a few oral care products that may get your child excited about oral health.

Fun and Flavored Mouthwashes

Mouthwash can be great for children because it can be used to swish away some of the debris and food particles that childhood-brushing can miss. However, you can find some products that take things a step further. For example, some mouthwashes will tint the teeth a fun color so the child can see where they need to brush. These mouthwashes also come in fun flavors like bubble gum and cotton candy.

Character Toothbrushes

Allow your child to pick out a toothbrush they like and they will be more likely to use it. Many good toothbrush brands offer brushes that are shaped to look like certain characters. You could also go with a battery-powered toothbrush for a little extra cleaning power.

Unique Flossing Products

Flossing can be fun too if you find a product that your child will enjoy. Look for colorful flossers, flossers that have unique scents and flavors, and even flossers shaped like different animals.

Child-Friendly Flavored Toothpaste

Mint-flavored toothpaste may not be all that palatable for a child. However, there are many other options that are available specifically for children. For example, some products boast flavors like dragon fruit, bubble gum, or berry.

Is it time for your child’s visit to a pediatric dentist in Seminole, FL? Reach out to the team at Luce Tooth Pediatric Dentistry to schedule your child’s next appointment.