Does Your Baby Have Bad Breath?

Have you ever noticed that babies and children very seldom have bad breath? It is uncommon, but it does happen. That’s a good reason to begin practicing proper oral hygiene on your baby soon after their birth. In today’s blog, your Reno dentists, Dr. William Wager and Dr. Brian Evans discuss why babies get bad breath.

Causes

Although bad breath in babies is uncommon, there are several reasons it may happen.

Dry Mouth: When babies have a cold and their noses are stuffy they will breathe through their mouths. This will cause their mouth to become dry, and dry mouth is a breeding ground for bad bacteria which cause bad breath.

Milk:Sometimes during breast feeding the baby may drink too much milk. When this happens their stomach will regurgitate it into the esophagus giving the baby bad smelling breath.

Sugar:  A diet high in sugar encourages the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth. Bad breath can be prevented by encouraging a diet low in sugars and starches.

Toys: Sucking on their toys and pacifiers transfers saliva which contains bacteria to the object, causing the objects to develop a bad smell. Once they develop a smell, the bad odor can transfer to the baby’s mouth when they suck on it again.

Other:  Other possible causes include gastro-esophageal reflux, infection, tooth decay, or a foreign object stuck in their nasal passage.

Treatment

To eliminate bad breath, gently brush your baby’s teeth and gums with a soft toothbrush, or to remove leftover food and milk wipe their tongue, gums, and teeth after each feeding. Prevention or treatment of bad breath always starts with good oral hygiene, but if your baby’s bad breath is found to be caused by a bacterial infection, an antibiotic will need to be prescribed.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.