What are the main causes of long-term bad breath in children?

Jun 28, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My son is four years old and has had bad breath for some time. He doesn't seem to have any other discomfort symptoms. I would like to know what are the main causes of persistent bad breath in children?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The main causes of chronic bad breath in children can be summarized as follows: 1. Oral hygiene issues: If children do not develop good brushing habits, food debris can remain and ferment in the mouth, producing an unpleasant odor, which is a common cause of bad breath. 2. Oral diseases: Conditions such as dental caries, gingivitis, and periodontitis can increase bacterial levels in the mouth, allowing food debris to remain and decompose, resulting in bad breath. Particularly in cases of dental caries, food particles easily lodge in the cavities and produce a rotten smell after bacterial fermentation. 3. Digestive system disorders: Conditions such as indigestion, gastritis, and constipation can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing food to remain in the digestive tract for extended periods, fermenting and producing odors that are expelled through the mouth, causing bad breath. 4. Respiratory and nasal diseases: Conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis can cause increased secretions, which sometimes flow back into the mouth, causing bad breath. If you have concerns, please consult a relevant healthcare professional.