Something that people find quite hard to believe is that bad breath affects toddlers too. While the cases of bad breath in toddlers are significantly lower than adults, it is still a disease that needs to be taken seriously. Some of the tips to reduce the likelihood of bad breath in toddlers include:
Less sugar - toddlers are notorious for eating huge amounts of sugar, be it in solid or liquid form. Candy and sugary drinks are on top of the list of culprits that promotes yeast growth and coat the mouth and tongue with a whitish film, which anaerobic bacteria then turns into volatile sulfur compounds (VSC). Processed sugar can also coat the teeth and eventually cause cavities. A good way to avoid this is to give your toddler fruit snacks or cereal if he starts craving for sweets. Use honey to sweeten drinks instead of relying on white sugar.
More good bacteria - there has been a study done about introducing good bacteria, known as probiotics, into a toddler's diet to combat breath problems. This includes yogurt, kefir, and some milk based products. Check the labels to see if these contain probiotics that can help balance the bacteria level in your toddler's mouth to promote sweeter breath.
Green is good - chlorophyll is a natural breath freshener and can be found in green leafy vegetables. To reduce the chance of bad breath in toddlers, start adding more greens to their diet. Blanch them and cut them into little pieces to preserve the vitamins and make it easier for your toddler to eat. Vegetable shakes are also healthy, but it may be harder to get your toddler to drink these..
Water or Tea - having your toddler drink water or tea throughout the day will help him flush out the toxins in his body. It also keeps his oral cavity moist, which is the best way to combat bad breath in toddlers.
Fruits - fruits are a good way to cleanse his palate and offer vitamin C. Some fruits also inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth by stimulating the production of saliva. Examples include citrus fruits, guava, and apples.
Keeping your toddler's diet simple is the key to making sure he stays healthy and his breath sweet smelling. If these do not help, it may be time to turn to a pediatric dentist to see if there are any serious underlying causes to your toddler's disease. Make sure to bring your toddler in for an appointment twice a year to ensure that his oral cavity is healthy. This is another surefire way to avoid bad breath in toddlers.
Bad BreathGillian is a bad breath expert and co-creator of the new web-site: http://bad-breath-begone.com. Get lots more info there on Bad Breath and Toddlers and also check out her Free 10-part Mini-eCourse, "Naturally Remove the Bad Breath Blues", it might be all you'll ever need (and did I mention it was free!)