Gentle Remedy for Infant Bad Breath (2024)

By Tom Lunneborg

Adults are not the only ones who experience the persistent oral condition known as halitosis. Babies and toddlers also deal with bad breath just like anybody else. Like in adults, it can be very alarming for parents to experience infant bad breath. However, there are ways in which to deal with this problem before it causes more physical harm to the child’s oral health.

Common Causes of Infant Bad Breath

One of the reasons for infants bad breath is due to the manner in which they breathe. Infants usually breathe through their mouths when they have a cold or an allergic reaction. When infants breath through their mouths, it causes the mouth to become dry. When this happens, the mouth becomes a more conducive environment for bacteria to breed. Infants also love to bite their toys and pacifiers and as such, saliva is transferred to the objects they bite into. The saliva, which contains some bacteria from inside the mouth, can cause their toys and pacifiers to have foul smells as well. Another cause of infant bad breath is gastroesophageal reflux, which is a fancy way of saying they spit their food back up.

How To Treat Bad Breath In Infants

Parents will essentially find it easy to eliminate infant bad breath. It takes a few steps and changes in how take care of their infants.

The first thing to do when attempting to eliminate infant bad breath is to gently brush the gums and few teeth of the infant with a soft rubber toothbrush. If this is still not possible, gently wipe infants tongue and gums after drinking milk. You may give a baby (six months and older) a little water to remove any milk residue left on their gums and tongue.

Another way to eliminate infant bad breath is to keep their toys and pacifiers sterilized after they play or bite into these objects. Doing so will eliminate any bacteria that has accumulated on the objects.

When infant bad breath still remains, it is wise to go and visit the pediatrician to check for any other causes for the infants foul smelling breath.

Gentle Remedy for Infant Bad Breath (2024)

FAQs

Why does my infants breath stink? ›

The saliva, which contains some bacteria from inside the mouth, can cause their toys and pacifiers to have foul smells as well. Another cause of infant bad breath is gastroesophageal reflux, which is a fancy way of saying they spit their food back up.

Why does my 1 year old breath stink? ›

If your child does not thoroughly brush and floss each day, plaque can quickly build up and produce an unpleasant odor. The plaque can also cause dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, which, in turn, can cause bad breath. Halitosis can also develop due to damaged or chipped fillings.

Why does my newborns breath smell sour? ›

There are several reasons your baby may develop bad breath: Milk:A hungry baby may end up drinking too much milk. If this happens their stomach will regurgitate it back up into their esophagus, resulting in bad breath. Sugar: Sugar encourages the growth of putrefying bacteria in the mouth.

How do you clean a newborn's breath? ›

Wipe gently around each nostril to get rid of mucus. It's best not to put anything inside your baby's nostrils. This can hurt the lining of the nose and cause bleeding. Wipe behind your baby's ears and around the outside of each ear.

When should I be concerned about my baby's breath? ›

See your doctor immediately if your child: is grunting or moaning at the end of each breath. has nostrils flaring, which means they're working harder to get oxygen into their lungs. has muscles pulling in on the neck, around collarbones, or ribs.

Is it normal for my 1 year old to have bad breath? ›

Just like adults, toddlers can have bad breath. There are a variety of different causes, from bacteria buildup in the mouth to stomach issues. If you're concerned about your child's bad breath, their pediatrician can help you rule out the cause. Treating an underlying condition can help improve your toddler's breath.

How do you stop a child's mouth from smelling? ›

Good dental hygiene is the best way to prevent and manage bad breath. Your child should brush their teeth and tongue twice a day. Children can also start flossing or using interdental brushes once they start school.

Why does my child's breath smell sour? ›

If too many bacteria exist in the mouth, living on leftover proteins and sugars that weren't brushed away, they emit sulfur compounds that, well… smell pretty bad. Get your child on a regular schedule of brushing, possibly even more than twice a day if necessary, and flossing every day.

Why does my 2 month olds breath stink? ›

That's because they have no teeth. Your teeth and tongue collect a myriad of things that can cause your breath to smell including food debris, sugars, and bacteria. Even though they don't have teeth, babies can have bad breath.

How long does baby's breath last? ›

Baby's breath is a hardy shrub. It's a common joke among growers that the baby's breath plant is something even the worst flower growers can't kill. Fresh ones will last anywhere from 8-10 days, or more when properly cared for.

What can you mix with baby's breath? ›

And a perfect combination of form and texture is often added by baby breath pomanders.
...
What flowers go with baby's breath?
  • Garden rose.
  • Tulips.
  • Calla lilies.
  • Asiatic lilies.
  • Stephanotis.
Oct 17, 2020

Can you spray baby's breath? ›

We didn't know you could spray paint your baby's breath!

The signature white flower is classic, but what if you want something a little brighter? Pull out a can of spray paint and get spraying! Carly Goodrich shares how you can create a pretty Mother's Day centerpiece by spray painting your baby's breath.

Can you trim baby's breath? ›

The best time for trimming baby's breath is after they bloom. Most of these plants bloom in the spring and summer. They will benefit from deadheading as the flowers fade, as well as a complete cut back to allow them to bloom again.

What part of baby's breath is toxic? ›

Keep in mind that the entire baby's breath flowers are toxic to pets as well as to people. It is best when used as decorations instead of for consumption. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur when you eat baby's breath flowers.

How do you clean a baby's tongue? ›

To clean your newborn's tongue, you should first wash your hands and then take a small piece of moist cloth or gauze around your finger and use it to gently rub the surface of the tongue in circular motions. A newborn's gums and tongue should be cleaned after every feeding.

Is baby's breath common? ›

Description: Commonly cultivated for cut and dry floral arrangements; often included in wildflower seed mixes. Habit: Perennial, finely branched, bushy, 0.4-1 m (15-39 in) tall.
...
Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
Common Name:Baby's breath
USDA Symbol:GYPA
4 more rows

What kills bad breath? ›

Brush and floss more often.

Plaque, the sticky buildup on your teeth, collects bacteria that cause bad breath. Trapped food also adds to the problem. Brush your teeth at least two times each day, and floss at least once. If you're concerned about your breath, do both a little more often.

Can baking soda cure bad breath? ›

Baking soda can rebalance the levels of acid and help to treat and prevent halitosis. Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to make an effective mouth rinse to beat bad breath.

What drinks cure bad breath? ›

Black tea is one of the best drinks for controlling bad breath. It's rich in polyphenols, which work double time to keep your breath smelling great. First, they inhibit the growth of foul-smelling bacteria, and second, they reduce the rate at which the bacteria in your mouth produce unpleasant odors.

What is the medicine for mouth smell? ›

Mouthwashes that contain antibacterial agents cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol), chlorhexidine (Peridex) or hydrogen peroxide are effective. Closys, a toothpaste, mouthwash, and oral spray hygiene system is another option. These products kill the germs that cause bad breath and freshen your breath.

Is smelly mouth normal for toddlers? ›

This is a common condition for toddlers. There can be numerous causes for your toddler's unpleasant breath. First, look at their brushing habits. Not brushing your toddler's teeth twice per day and not taking care of their gums could cause bad breath.

How do I brush my 1 year olds teeth? ›

Twice a day – in the morning and before bed – apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the brush (no more than a grain-of-rice-sized amount of toothpaste), place the brush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion for two minutes.

Can I clean my baby mouth with honey? ›

Additionally, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, brush your tongue every day, and floss your teeth at least once a day. Keep in mind that honey should not be given to children under 12 months of age since honey can contain spores of the dangerous bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

What happens if baby's mouth is not cleaned? ›

Even before any teeth come out, there are certain oral health problems that babies are susceptible to. These are: oral thrush and recurrent mouth ulcers (canker sores). The risk of your baby developing both these problems can be reduced by cleaning their mouths regularly.

How do I clean my 7 month old's mouth? ›

You should be able to see easily inside their mouth. Before teeth come in, use a clean gauze pad or soft cloth over your finger. Dip the gauze in water so it is damp, but not soaking wet. Wipe your child's teeth and gums gently.

Why does my 8 month old breath smell like fish? ›

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Children with GERD often regurgitate food which can cause oral health problems. Liver problems: When the liver is not functioning properly, the unprocessed bile that accumulates in the body can produce breath that smells like fish or rotten eggs.

Does baby's breath rot? ›

If the soil is wet or not draining well, baby's breath can suffer from root rot. You may notice yellow or wilting foliage.

How do I clean my 9 month old's mouth? ›

To clean your baby's tongue and gums correctly, you should:
  1. Make a habit of cleaning after feeding.
  2. Gently cradle your baby in one arm during the cleaning.
  3. Use a damp gauze or washcloth, or a silicone baby tongue cleaner.
  4. Gently massage their gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.
Oct 25, 2021

How do I keep my baby's mouth clean? ›

Wipe down your newborn's gums at least twice a day

Babies have less saliva than adults, so they need extra help getting rid of bacteria in their mouth. After washing your hands with soap and water, use a damp wash cloth or gauze pad to gently rub your baby's gums, cheeks and tongue to wipe away any food or liquids.

How do you cure stinky breath? ›

To reduce or prevent bad breath:
  1. Brush your teeth after you eat. Keep a toothbrush at work to use after eating. ...
  2. Floss at least once a day. ...
  3. Brush your tongue. ...
  4. Clean dentures or dental appliances. ...
  5. Avoid dry mouth. ...
  6. Adjust your diet. ...
  7. Regularly get a new toothbrush. ...
  8. Schedule regular dental checkups.
Mar 10, 2018

How do you stop your toddler's breath from smelling? ›

To get rid of bad breath in babies or younger toddlers, you'll have to do the brushing and flossing for them. While older toddlers and preschoolers can begin brushing on their own, supervise their oral hygiene routine until about age 7 or 8. Stick with a healthy, well-rounded diet.

Can you freshen a baby's breath? ›

Treatment for Baby Bad Breath

A few easy steps to take include: Washing your baby's hands, toys, and pacifiers frequently. Feeding them a diet low in starch and sugar. Gently wiping or brushing your baby's teeth and gums with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially after feeding and before bedtime.

Is baby's breath poison? ›

This plant has medium severity poison characteristics. This perennial form of baby's breath is cultivated as a garden ornamental or used by florists for fillers in bouquets, particularly with roses.

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