What Causes Bad Breath in Infants?
Bad breath in infants is a common concern among parents. Based on reputable international sources, this article examines the causes, warning signs, and ways to address the problem.
Imagine you are holding your newborn baby and suddenly you smell an unpleasant smell from his mouth. This scene happens to many parents and often worries them. Baby's bad breath, which in medical terms is called "halitosis" or "fever" is one of the most common complaints in the office of pediatricians and children's dentists. Unlike adults, where bad breath is usually related to poor oral hygiene or consumption of spicy foods, in babies, there are different and varied causes, which recognition plays a key role in solving the problem.
According to Ilna, this article was compiled based on data published in reliable international sources such as Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, American Academy of Pediatrics, British National Health Service and Stanford Children's Health Center. Its purpose is that parents can identify the cause of the baby's bad breath with calmness, knowledge and accurate information and take appropriate action if necessary.
What exactly does a baby's bad breath mean?
Baby's bad breath is any unpleasant and abnormal smell that emits from the baby's oral cavity. This smell may be sour, rotten, like the smell of feces, fruity, like the smell of acetone or even like the smell of urine. Any kind of smell can be an important clue for the doctor; For example, a fruity or astringent odor can be a sign of a metabolic problem, while a rotten odor usually indicates a build-up of bacteria in the mouth.
The important thing is that not all baby's breath is abnormal. Many babies after feeding, especially if the milk remains in their mouth, have a specific smell of fermented milk, which goes away after a few minutes after the mouth is wiped. This type of smell is not included in the category of pathological bad breath and does not need treatment.
Physiology of the baby's mouth: Why are babies prone to bad breath?
To properly understand the cause of bad breath in a baby, we must first understand the structure and function of the baby's mouth. A baby's mouth is fundamentally different from an adult's:
Less saliva production: Babies produce little saliva until about three months of age. Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash and washes away bacteria and food particles. Decreased saliva means more accumulation of bacteria and bad odor.
Strong sucking reflex: Babies naturally have a sucking reflex and put various objects in their mouths. This can cause bacteria to enter the mouth.
Immature Immune System: Babies' immune systems are developing and they are susceptible to oral and respiratory infections.
Breastfeeding and remaining milk in the mouth: after each feeding, some milk remains in the baby's mouth, which can ferment and cause bad odor.
Lack of milk teeth at first: In the first months, the bacterial flora of the baby's mouth is forming and these changes can cause odor.
Causes of bad breath in babies: an in-depth look at different categories
The cause of bad breath in babies can be classified into several main categories. Each category includes a set of factors that parents should be familiar with.
The most important and common causes are factors related to the mouth itself.
Accumulation of bacteria on the tongue and gums: A baby's tongue can be a place for the accumulation of anaerobic bacteria that produce fragrant sulfur compounds. These bacteria feed on the remains of milk or food and create an unpleasant smell.
Oral thrush (candidiasis): Thrush is a fungal infection characterized by white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and roof of the mouth. These stains look like curdled milk, but unlike milk, they are difficult to remove. Thrush is common in babies and can cause bad breath.
Mouth sores: canker sores, teething sores, or scratches from foreign objects can cause bad breath.
Dry mouth: If the baby has a dry mouth for any reason (for example, breathing through the mouth during a cold), the production of saliva decreases and a bad smell develops.
Gastroesophageal reflux: In infants, the lower esophageal sphincter is immature and stomach contents easily return to the esophagus and mouth. This phenomenon, which is called reflux, can cause a sour and acidic smell in the baby's mouth. Physiological reflux is normal until a few months old, but if it is severe or accompanied by frequent vomiting, it should be investigated.
Milk fermentation in the mouth: Breast milk or formula remaining in the mouth and being fermented by bacteria is one of the common causes of bad breath in babies, especially if parents do not clean the baby's mouth after breastfeeding.
Bloating and digestive problems: Some babies struggle with bloating, constipation or colic, and these problems can change the smell of the mouth.
Allergy to cow's milk protein: In some babies, allergy to cow's milk protein causes inflammation of the digestive tract and bad breath.
Respiratory infections: colds, flu, sinusitis, and middle ear infections can cause the accumulation of secretions in the back of the throat and bad breath. Children who suffer from nasal discharge usually have an unpleasant smell in their mouth.
Laryngitis and pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx and larynx can be associated with bad breath.
Fever and systemic diseases: In some febrile diseases, the smell of the mouth changes and can be one of the helpful symptoms for the doctor.
Rare metabolic diseases: Diseases such as phenylketonuria, syrupy urine disease (MSUD), and liver or kidney failure can cause bad breath. In these cases, bad breath is a serious warning sign.
Breast milk: If the mother consumes spicy foods, garlic, onions or spices, the taste and smell of the milk may change and the baby's mouth odor may be affected.
Milk powder: Some milk powders have a special smell that may remain in the baby's mouth.
Starting complementary feeding: With the beginning of complementary feeding, food particles remain in the baby's mouth and if oral hygiene is not followed, a bad smell develops.
Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, can change the flora of the mouth and cause bad breath or dry mouth.
Cleft palate or lip: In babies born with a cleft palate or lip, the accumulation of milk and bacteria in the mouth is more, and bad breath is more common.
Lasan al-Malaq (sticky tongue): This condition can disrupt the natural cleaning of the mouth and cause bad breath.
Deviated nasal septum or enlarged tonsils: less common in infants, but can cause mouth breathing and bad breath.
Warning signs: When is bad breath in a baby dangerous?
It can be difficult for parents to tell whether a baby's bad breath is harmless or serious. Here is a list of signs to look out for:
Refusal to breastfeed or weight loss
White spots in the mouth that do not go away (a sign of thrush)
Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing sounds
fruity or acetone smell from the mouth (probability of metabolic problem)