Fresh breath isn’t just about making a good first impression. It can be a sign of overall dental health. And while we usually think about adults and bad breath, kids are certainly not immune. We’ll talk about what could be causing a stinky mouth and learn some easy ways we can help.

The medical term for bad breath is halitosis. It’s mostly caused by bacteria that overgrows due to leftover food particles in the mouth. Certain foods with strong odors (think garlic and onions) can worsen the problem. But any food that isn’t properly washed off tooth surfaces can end up causing bad breath.

Halitosis is also linked to other health conditions like gum disease, tooth decay, yeast, and dry mouth. It’s common for children with allergies to have persistent bad breath due to excessive mouth breathing when the nose is stuffed up. Chronic acid reflux, diabetes, and various infections can also worsen bad breath. Any health condition that causes dry mouth will increase the risk of halitosis and dental decay.

Brush, Floss, Rinse — You can’t beat the basics of dental care. Cleaning food particles off our teeth is key to curbing odor-causing bacteria. Don’t forget about flossing between tight spaces to get the especially hard to reach spots. Antibacterial mouth wash can also help as a rinse after brushing. There are many alcohol-free varieties that are suitable for children when they are ready to use them.

Clean Your Tongue — When brushing, don’t forget to include your tongue! Make sure to specifically brush the tongue with either a toothbrush or even a tongue scraper. Bacteria can build up on the tongue and contribute to bad breath.

Chew Sugarfree Gum — We often use gum or mints to combat stinky breath, but choosing the right kind may help do more than just cover up the smell. Gum with xylitol may help prevent decay and chewing gum increases saliva, our natural tooth cleaner. Mints or candies with sugar will not help to remove odors and may actually increase problems in the long run.

If problems persist, ask your dentist! Sometimes we think of dental health as separate from our overall health. But it’s all connected. Dentists are often able to see signs of other problems through the condition of our teeth. If you’ve tried improving your cleaning techniques and still experience halitosis, talk to your dentist about possible underlying causes.

As kids go back to school, make sure their teeth are well brushed each morning and night to avoid bad breath.