Can inadequate oral hygiene cause bad breath in children?
• Inadequate oral hygiene is probably the main cause of bad breath in children. Food left on and between teeth begins to decompose, and starts to smell: • Food protein is broken down into bad-smelling sulphur gases. • The protein breakdown can take place on the surface of the tongue, and in and around the gums. This is the work of bacteria, which are normally present in the mouth. • Plaque left to accumulate on the teeth causes gingivitis, which can also be a cause of halitosis. • Thorough brushing of teeth twice a day after meals, and flossing once a day are essential to dental health. • Disclosing tablets can indicate how well the child is brushing. • The tablets stain the plaque left on the teeth a bright pink colour. • They are used after brushing to show precisely where the plaque is. • Further brushing of the stained areas is needed, until the pink stain is removed. This will confirm that all the plaque has been brushed away. • Disclosing tablets or solutions should be an integra
