Thrush and Bad Breath: Two Common Oral Hygiene Issues in Children

When your child is sick, you naturally take them to see a health professional. However, with very young children, some issues are harder to detect since little ones may be unable to articulate their difficulties. While thrush and bad breath may not initially seem troubling, if the causes are left untreated, they can become more serious. By discovering how to treat two common oral health issues in children, you can help prevent problems before they start.

1. Thrush (Candida albicans)

This opportunistic pathogenic yeast occurs naturally in the human body, especially in the digestive system. Generally speaking, you do not contract thrush from someone else; candida only results in infection if it grows out of control in the body. When this happens orally, the yeast builds up in the lining of the mouth.

Causes of thrush

Oral thrush has only one cause, but it can have several triggers that can lead to an overgrowth of candida yeast in the mouth or throat.

• A weakened immune system – Thrush is not common in typically healthy adults. It is, however, more frequent in young children and the elderly, as their immune systems are often less effective than those of a mature adult. Babies are particularly vulnerable to infections in the first six months of life.

• Some medications – Antibiotics, inhaled corticosteroids, and prednisone can disrupt the body’s balance of microorganisms, resulting in a thrush infection. While these medications can trigger overgrowth, they can also make it more challenging to prevent subsequent infections, as they are frequently used to treat chronic conditions like asthma over a long period. If your child has recently completed a course of antibiotics or is being treated for asthma, stay alert for signs of oral thrush.

Symptoms of thrush

Oral thrush can be difficult to diagnose for first-time parents. Awareness regarding potential risk factors can help to prevent an infection.

•  White patches – These white patches will typically appear in the mouth, as well as on the surface of the tongue. In some cases, they may even spread to the gums and tonsils. It may look like a bumpy white film is sticking to the flesh. Trying to wipe off these patches can increase irritation, resulting in increased redness and inflammation.

• Soreness – Discomfort during swallowing will impede breastfeeding. Your baby will likely pull away and fuss during nursing sessions, and it may affect their ability to obtain a proper latch. The “cottony” sensation of thrush in a baby’s mouth can also affect their sense of taste, making them less inclined to breastfeed.

• Bleeding – Typically, this will only occur if mouth lesions are scraped or irritated.

• Shared infection – A baby with thrush can infect the mother during nursing, at which point it can continue to be passed back and forth if not treated in both patients. Symptoms of thrush in a breastfeeding mother include deep, stabbing pain within the breast, intense pain during feeding sessions, and red or cracked nipples.

• Diaper rash – Because thrush indicates an overgrowth of yeast within the body, babies suffering from oral thrush may also have a yeast-related diaper rash. This rash will be unusually red and resistant to treatment by conventional diaper remedies.

Treatments for thrush

Whichever method your doctor recommends, be sure to continue treatment for a full 14 days after diagnosis.

• For breastfeeding mothers – If you or your baby contract thrush, you both need to be treated to resolve the issue. Speak to your doctor promptly, since thrush will disrupt feedings, potentially endangering a baby’s health. A doctor will typically prescribe a topical antifungal, which should be tried before ingested remedies.

Recommended solutions include gentian violet, a natural antifungal, or medicated creams. Usually, the medication will be applied solely to the nipple, which will then treat the baby’s mouth when it latches for a feeding.

• Oral medication – A pediatrician may prescribe an oral antifungal for your baby’s mouth, which will be gently applied using a Q-tip. Be sure not to allow your baby to swallow any of this ointment.

• For diaper rash – If your baby’s oral thrush has spread to their bottom, exposing the baby’s skin to air as often as possible. Speak to your pediatrician to obtain a prescription for an antifungal diaper cream.

2. Bad Breath

Bad breath could indicate that you or your child did not brush or floss as thoroughly as was needed since last eating; however, if the bad breath is chronic or particularly odorous, it could signal a more significant health concern.

Causes of bad breath

While all of us may have stale breath first thing in the morning, if it seems unusually bad, consider the following possibilities.

• Gingivitis – Unfortunately, even children are susceptible to gum disease. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums due to plaque accumulation. If left untreated, this condition can worsen and result in tooth loss and infection, as well as increased breath odour.

• Tooth decay – Even if a tooth is not decaying, poor oral hygiene will still result in bad breath due to the presence of excess bacteria in the mouth. Dentists recommend that parents help with brushing until a child reaches the age of eight to guarantee thorough cleansing around the gum line.

• A blocked nose or sinuses – Bad breath can be frequent whenever your child has breathing difficulties, due to sinusitis, colds, or allergies. If your child has a sore throat and stuffy nose, bad breath could be due to bacterial growth from a sinus infection. If stinky breath cannot be remedied with brushing and mouthwash, check with your doctor to find out whether there is another issue at play.
• A foreign object – If you notice a particularly foul odour that seems to worsen rapidly, consider the possibility that a piece of food could be lodged in the nasal passageways! As every parent knows, sometimes curiosity gets the better of kids, and peas and corn kernels may end up where they should not (not to mention beads or small toy parts). Use a flashlight to detect any visible blockage and visit a doctor promptly for help removing the offending item.

• Infected tonsils – Infected tonsils may be red and swollen with white spots. Bacteria can grow in the tonsil “pits,” resulting in a very unpleasant odour. Swollen tonsils should be examined by a doctor, who will prescribe medicine to treat the infection.

• Infected adenoids – Not to be confused with tonsils, adenoids are a small mass of tissue located behind the soft palate, in the roof of the mouth. When these become infected, they can partially block the back of your child’s mouth. This condition can result in bad breath due to discharge from the infection, and it is referred to as adenoiditis.

Symptoms of bad breath

While a bad odour may be the first thing you notice, look for these other symptoms for clues about which condition might be the underlying cause of the problem. 

• Redness – If your child is suffering from gingivitis, the odour will be only one symptom. The child’s gums may be red and swollen near the tooth root. With more advanced gingivitis, you may notice bleeding gums along with increased odour.

• Discomfort – If your child complains of a sore throat or headache, they could be suffering from a cold or sinus infection. Tooth discomfort, however, might indicate decay and should always be examined by a dentist.

Treatment for bad breath

In general, improved oral hygiene habits will often resolve most problems with bad breath. Whether the core issue is gingivitis or tooth decay, conscientious oral care, including a regular cleaning by your family dentist or hygienist. Proper brushing, flossing, salt-water rinses, and non-alcoholic mouthwashes can also help counteract the effects of mild gum disease and promote recovery. If tooth decay is the cause of breath odour, these steps can also help prevent the issue from resurfacing after treatment by your child’s dentist.

If, however, you suspect that adenoids, tonsils, or another concern may be responsible, consult a doctor before attempting home remedies.

Whatever your questions are regarding your child’s oral health, do not hesitate to contact a professional for a consultation. As kids grow, they learn to articulate the source of a problem; however, when they are little, it can be tough to know what is wrong!

At Springdale Dental, we make your child’s oral health a priority. Call (905) 458-1212 to speak to a member of our experienced team. Serving the Brampton area, we will get to the root of any oral health problem, at any stage in your child’s life.