Having
your kids brush their teeth before they go to bed each night helps them
learn good oral hygiene practices. And while twice-daily toothbrushing
is good for developing teeth, it always enough to stop bad breath from
occurring. Bad breath isn't always solely an oral health issue, there
can be other causes that need a different solution. Here are five
surprising causes of bad breath in children and how to stop them.
Sinus Infection
Have
any of your kids complained about a sore throat or stuffy nose lately?
It might be a sinus infection. Sinus issues cause fluid to collect in
the nasal passages and throat, making your child's throat the perfect
place for bacteria to gather. The result? Stinky breath that can't be
cured with toothbrushing and mouthwash alone. If you suspect a sinus
infection (potential sore throat, burning nasal passages and post nasal
drip), call your doctor for a visit and see if antibiotics will be
prescribed.
Foreign Objects
It
may not be your first thought, but your child's bad breath could be the
result of something stuck in her nasal passages. Kids are curious, and
their nostrils are just the right size for inserting small items such as
beads, beans, toy accessories and food. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears
explains that when an object gets lodged in a child's nasal passages it
can create a nasty smell. If you suspect this is what is causing your
child's bad breath, you'll need a doctor to help check your child's
nasal passages and remove the object.
To read the entire article written by Jae Curtis , please visit Colgate.com
Kyle Van, DDS 2110 NW
Amberbrook Dr Beaverton,
OR 97006
(503) 533-5539
Below is an article written by by Diana Tosuni-O'Neill RDH, BS and found on Colgate.com
Have you ever woken up from a sound sleep with a dry mouth at night? Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can be caused by something as simple as sleeping with your mouth open or as complex as a side effect of medication. Read on to find out what may be at the root of your nighttime lip smacking.
Signs of Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be as simple as the salivary glands not producing enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Saliva is key to washing debris from your teeth and remineralizing tooth enamel. With too little of it, you may be at risk for tooth decay.
Aside from increasing your risk for cavities, dry mouth can be uncomfortable. If you are experiencing dry mouth at night, some noticeable morning signs are:
- A sticky feeling in your mouth
- Thick or stringy saliva
- Bad breath
- Dry or sore throat
- Cracked or chapped lips
- Mouth sores
- Changed sense of taste
What Causes Xerostomia?
The occasional case of dry mouth at night may simply be due to dehydration, but age, medical conditions and habits can also contribute to its symptoms. The Mayo Clinic reports that several medications can cause dry mouth, such as muscle relaxants, depression and anxiety medications and antihistamines. It's also associated with diabetes and the autoimmune disorder Sjogren's syndrome. Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can change or damage the salivary glands, as can nerve damage to the head and neck area.
Frequent tobacco and alcohol use can lead to xerostomia. Besides putting you at risk for oral cancer, smoking causes changes in saliva production. Alcoholic drinks and tobacco also irritate an already dry mouth and contribute to bad breath.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
The remainder of the article details the following:
- Ways to Manage Dry Mouth at Night
Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis.
