Baby’s Bad Breath: Causes, Treatments, and How to Prevent It

Introduction

As new parents, we spend a lot of time marvelling at our little ones – their tiny fingers, their sweet coos, and that wonderful “new baby” smell. But what happens when that sweet smell is replaced by something a bit… less sweet? Yes, even babies can have bad breath, or what we dentists sometimes call “halitosis.” It can be a little concerning, and you might immediately wonder if something is wrong. 

The good news is, most of the time, a baby’s bad breath isn’t a sign of anything serious and can be easily fixed. This guide will help you understand why your little one might have a stinky breath, what you can do about it, and how to keep their breath fresh and their mouth healthy.

What Causes a Baby’s Bad Breath?

So, why would a baby, who mostly drinks milk and doesn’t eat strong-smelling foods, have bad breath? It really boils down to the same things that cause bad breath in adults, but tailored to a baby’s world. The main culprit is usually bacteria. Our mouths are full of them, good ones and some not-so-good ones. When these bacteria break down food particles or dead cells, they can release smelly gases.

Babies’ mouths are constantly changing. They explore the world by putting things in their mouths, and their diets are different from ours. All these factors can play a role in whether their breath smells fresh or a bit funky.

Common Causes of Bad Breath in Babies

Let’s break down some of the most common reasons your baby might have bad breath:

• Milk Residue: This is probably the number one reason for bad breath in very young babies. When your baby drinks milk (whether breast milk or formula), some of it can stick around on their tongue, gums, and the insides of their cheeks. If this milk isn’t rinsed away or swallowed, bacteria can start to feast on it, leading to a sour, cheesy, or even slightly fishy smell. It’s just like how a milk bottle left out too long starts to smell.
• Dry Mouth: Saliva is like our mouth’s natural cleaning agent. It washes away food bits and keeps bacteria in check. If a baby’s mouth is dry, there’s less saliva to do this job, and bacteria can multiply more easily, leading to bad breath. This can happen if your baby is a “mouth breather” (breathing through their mouth instead of their nose, especially when sleeping), or if they’re a bit dehydrated.
• Teething: Oh, teething! It’s a tough time for babies and parents alike. When teeth are pushing through the gums, the area can become inflamed and sore. This inflammation can sometimes create a more favourable environment for bacteria, leading to a temporary bad smell. Plus, babies tend to drool a lot more when teething, and sometimes that extra drool can also smell a bit if it dries on their face or clothes.
• Food Particles (for older babies): Once your baby starts eating solid foods, their diet becomes a much bigger factor. Even tiny bits of food can get stuck in their mouths, especially between their new teeth. Foods like garlic, onions, or even some fruits and vegetables can leave a lingering smell. And just like with milk residue, bacteria will break down these food particles, releasing stinky gases.
• Pacifiers and Bottles: If pacifiers or bottle teats aren’t cleaned regularly, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria. When your baby puts these in their mouth, they’re essentially introducing those bacteria into their oral cavity, which can contribute to bad breath.
• Thumb Sucking: Similar to pacifiers, if your baby is a thumb-sucker, and they don’t wash their hands often, bacteria from their hands can transfer to their mouth.

Is Baby’s Bad Breath a Sign of a Health Issue?

Most of the time, no, a baby’s bad breath is not a sign of a serious health issue. It’s usually related to the common causes we just talked about. However, sometimes bad breath can be a symptom of an underlying problem. It’s important to be aware of these so you know when to seek professional advice.

When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby’s Breath?

While most cases are harmless, there are times when you should pay closer attention to your baby’s bad breath. You should be concerned and consider seeing a doctor or pediatric dentist if:

• The bad breath is constant and doesn’t go away even after you try home remedies like good oral hygiene.
• The smell is very strong or unusual, like a sweet, fruity smell (which could indicate diabetes, though very rare in babies), or a strong, chemical smell.
• Your baby has other symptoms along with bad breath, such as:
  • Fever: This could point to an infection.
  • Sore throat or difficulty swallowing: Tonsillitis or strep throat can cause very bad breath.
  • Runny nose, stuffy nose, or cough: Sinus infections or common colds can lead to post-nasal drip, where mucus drips down the back of the throat and can cause bad breath.
  • White patches in the mouth: This could be oral thrush, a common yeast infection in babies.
  • Swollen or bleeding gums: While common during teething, persistent or unusually severe gum issues could indicate gum disease (though rare in infants).
  • Vomiting or poor feeding: These could be signs of reflux or other digestive issues.
  • A foreign object stuck in their nose: It sounds strange, but if a baby shoves something up their nose, it can get infected and cause a very foul smell that you might mistake for bad breath.
  • Enlarged tonsils or adenoids: These can sometimes trap bacteria and lead to chronic bad breath.

How to Treat Baby’s Bad Breath

Okay, so you’ve identified that your baby has bad breath. Now what? The good news is that treatment often involves simple, everyday practices.

• Clean Your Baby’s Mouth Regularly: This is the most important step!
  • For newborns and infants without teeth: After each feeding, gently wipe your baby’s gums, tongue, and the inside of their cheeks with a clean, damp, soft cloth or a special finger brush designed for babies. You can just use plain water. This removes milk residue.
  • For babies with teeth: As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s time to start brushing! Use a tiny smear (the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste specifically for babies and a soft-bristled baby toothbrush. Brush gently twice a day, especially after the last feed before bed.
• Ensure Good Hydration: Offer your baby water between feeds (for babies over 6 months) or ensure they are getting enough milk. Good hydration helps produce enough saliva to wash away bacteria.
• Clean Pacifiers and Bottle Teats: Wash pacifiers and bottle teats thoroughly with warm, soapy water after each use. Consider sterilising them regularly, especially for younger babies.
• Address Dry Mouth: If your baby breathes through their mouth, especially at night, try to figure out why. Is their nose stuffy? A humidifier in their room can help keep the air moist. If it’s chronic mouth breathing, discuss it with your doctor as it might be related to allergies or enlarged adenoids.
• Manage Teething Discomfort: While teething itself causes bad breath, keeping the area clean can help. Continue gentle oral hygiene during teething.
• Monitor Food Intake (for older babies): If specific foods seem to cause bad breath, make sure to clean your baby’s mouth thoroughly after they eat those foods.

Preventing Bad Breath in Babies: Tips and Best Practices

Prevention is always better than a cure! Here are some excellent habits to establish early on:

• Start Oral Hygiene Early: Don’t wait for teeth to appear. Cleaning gums from day one sets a routine and helps keep their mouth healthy.
• Make Brushing Fun: As teeth emerge, turn brushing into a positive experience. Let your baby hold the brush (under supervision), sing a song, or make it a game.
• Limit Sugary Drinks and Snacks: While babies aren’t usually on fizzy drinks, sugary juices, or sweet snacks can contribute to tooth decay and bad breath. Stick to water and milk as primary drinks.
• Regular Dentist Visits: This is crucial! The Australian Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. A paediatric dentist (a dentist who specialises in children’s teeth) can spot problems early, offer advice on oral hygiene, and make sure everything is developing as it should. If you’re in the area, looking for a dentist South Melbourne with experience in paediatric dentistry would be a great start.
• Ensure Proper Nose Breathing: Encourage nasal breathing. If your baby often has a stuffy nose, consult your doctor.
• Clean Toys: Babies put everything in their mouths. Regularly clean toys that your baby plays with, especially those that frequently go into their mouth.

When to See a Paediatric Dentist or Doctor

While we’ve covered when to be concerned, let’s reiterate and specify. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or a pediatric dentist if:

• Your baby’s persistent bad breath doesn’t improve with regular cleaning.
• The smell is unusual or very strong.
• Your baby may also have other symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, poor feeding, white patches in the mouth, or signs of pain.
• You notice any signs of tooth decay (brown or white spots on teeth).
• You have any general concerns about your baby’s oral health or overall well-being

Early intervention is key for any health issue, and your doctor or dentist can provide the best advice and treatment specific to your baby’s needs.

Conclusion

Finding out your baby has bad breath can be a bit of a surprise, but as we’ve seen, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Most often, it’s simply a sign that a bit of extra attention is needed in their oral hygiene routine. By regularly cleaning their mouth, ensuring they’re well-hydrated, and being mindful of what goes into their mouths, you can usually banish that stinky breath.

Remember, a healthy mouth is a sign of a healthy baby. Establishing good oral habits early on will help with fresh breath and set your child up for a lifetime of good dental health. And don’t forget the importance of those early dental check-ups – they’re vital to your baby’s overall health journey.

Worried About Your Child’s Dental Health?

If you’re concerned about your baby’s bad breath or it’s not improving with home care, it’s always best to get professional advice. Schedule an appointment with your GP or a paediatric dentist today to ensure your little one’s oral health is on track. 

A happy, healthy mouth leads to a happy, healthy baby!