What causes bad breath in a nine-year-old child?

Generally, causes of halitosis (bad breath) in 9-year-old children may include dietary factors, poor oral hygiene, dental caries, indigestion, and gingivitis. If symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dietary Factors

If a 9-year-old child consumes foods with strong odors such as durian, chives, or garlic, volatile compounds from these foods may remain in the mouth, causing temporary halitosis. Parents should guide children to avoid consuming such foods whenever possible.

2. Poor Oral Hygiene

If a 9-year-old child dislikes brushing teeth or brushes incorrectly, food debris and bacteria may accumulate in the mouth, fermenting and producing an unpleasant odor. Parents should help children develop good oral hygiene habits, using toothbrushes and toothpaste suitable for children to ensure all tooth surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.

3. Dental Caries

Poor oral hygiene or unhealthy eating habits may lead to dental caries. Food debris accumulated in cavities can be fermented by bacteria, producing a foul smell. Symptoms may also include tooth pain and visible dark spots on the tooth surface. Prompt dental treatment at a hospital's dental department is recommended. Medications such as amoxicillin capsules, ibuprofen suspension, and metronidazole tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms.

4. Indigestion

Consuming excessive protein-rich foods, overeating, or picky eating habits may cause gastrointestinal indigestion in 9-year-old children, increasing the digestive burden. Food may not be fully digested in the gastrointestinal tract, fermenting and producing gas that rises to the mouth, causing halitosis. Symptoms may include abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and belching. Treatment may include medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets (digestive aid), Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus triple viable tablets, and domperidone tablets, as advised by a doctor.

5. Gingivitis

Gingivitis may be associated with poor oral hygiene, leading to bacterial proliferation and periodontal tissue infection. An increase in Gram-negative bacteria in the periodontal tissues produces volatile sulfur compounds, causing bad breath. Symptoms may also include bleeding and swollen gums. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and cytodine iodide lozenges for treatment.

To prevent halitosis, parents should guide children to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid consuming irritating foods, adjust dietary structure, and ensure adequate sleep and a healthy psychological state.