Bad Breath in Kids: How to Address It
Bad breath (otherwise known as halitosis) is never fun to deal with, but chances are you or someone you know has been affected by it, since studies show about 50 percent of adults have experienced it at some point.1
Personally, dealing with bad breath can be a nuisance, but what happens when you notice that your child has bad breath? How do you go about talking to them about it? Parents and caregivers can guide children to develop habits that will support their oral health throughout their lives. Learn how to support children so that they can manage their bad breath and care for their teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Bad breath in children often stems from everyday causes like bacteria, dry mouth, gum disease, or certain foods. Parents can manage it by encouraging proper oral hygiene.1,2
- Addressing bad breath with kids requires sensitivity and support. Parents should model good oral hygiene habits and talk openly, using gentle, age-appropriate language to avoid embarrassment or shame.3,4
- Persistent bad breath might indicate a more serious health issue. If standard dental care doesn't resolve it, parents should consult healthcare providers to rule out conditions like GERD, diabetes, or sinus problems.1
Why Do Kids Get Bad Breath?
There are a few reasons that your child may have bad breath. These are the most common:1,2
- Bacteria. Your child’s mouth is home to hundreds of types of bacteria that can lead to bad breath, and the warm environment allows them to thrive and multiply.1 When your child eats, these bacteria feed on the food particles left in their mouth and leave a stinky smell behind.1
- Dry mouth. Saliva helps to clean your children’s mouths. If your little one is breathing through their mouth more often than not, they may experience dry mouth and bad breath.1,2
- Gum disease. If your little one won’t brush their teeth, they may be at risk for the development of a type of bacteria called plaque.1 If left untreated, it can lead to cavities and gingivitis – the bad breath is simply a warning sign.1
- Food. The foods that your child eats affect the air they exhale.1,2 If they can’t get enough of garlic, they may experience bad breath as a result.
Discussing Bad Breath With Kids
Parents and caregivers can help kids of all ages form healthy habits and understand the importance of oral health. Not only should you be acting as a role model and demonstrating how to care for your own teeth, take the time to talk to kids about being healthy and caring for their teeth.3
Make sure your kids know what they need to do to keep their teeth clean and healthy, how plaque contributes to cavities and the importance of visiting a dentist for regular cleanings.3
If your child or teen is experiencing occasional bad breath, broach the subject gently, and consider how your child might react to this news. Younger kids might simply need to be steered in a healthier direction, but teens may feel anxious, angry or self-conscious.
Try to keep the conversation lighthearted and reassure children and teens that bad breath is common. The goal is to make older kids feel comfortable and motivated to do something about their halitosis, without making them feel ashamed. Prioritize empathy and acceptance to help your teen manage any emotions they may feel about having bad breath.4
When Bad Breath Is a Sign of a Bigger Health Problem
Prolonged bad breath can be a sign of a bigger health issue. Your child or teen may experience bad breath as a result of:1,2
- GERD
- A sinus condition
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Speak to your child’s medical provider if you suspect that any of these may be the case. You may also want to speak with your child’s dentist to rule out any issues regarding oral health.
How to Avoid Bad Breath
Parents can make a point to model healthy behavior by brushing their teeth alongside younger kids and by talking about how to care for teeth properly.3 Caregivers can also help by ensuring that children get regular dental checkups.1 This allows a dentist to detect any problems and manage them before they become too serious.1
Two of the best ways to fight back against bad breath at home is to brush twice a day and floss.1 If you’ve got young children over the age of two, Pronamel Kids Berry Twist and Bubble Twist toothpastes actively protect their precious enamel with 24-hour cavity protection!* By brushing twice a day, your kids can get rid of the bacteria that causes bad breath.1
Help keep teeth healthy and strong with Pronamel Kids.
*Follow a healthy diet and brush twice daily
(Level of protection may decrease between brushings)
Source Citations:
- Bad Breath. mouthhealth by ADA. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/bad-breath. Accessed 5/5/25.
- Causes and Management of Halitosis: A Narrative Review. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10506127/. Accessed 5/5/25.
- Helping Your Child: Tips for Parents & Other Caregivers. National Institute of Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/healthy-eating-physical-activity-for-life/helping-your-child-tips-for-parents#habits. Accessed 5/5/25.
- Think Hard Before Shaming Your Child. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/think-hard-before-shaming-children-2020012418692. Accessed 5/5/25.
