As the parent or guardian of a child, one of your responsibilities is to help care for their smile until they’re grown. For instance, you encourage them to clean their teeth twice daily to help instill healthy habits that can prevent common concerns, like cavities and gum disease.
But their diet can also impact their dental condition. For instance, fewer sugary treats can prevent decay and disease, while dairy foods, such as yogurt, can strengthen enamel. But that’s not the only benefit of this popular snack. Read on to learn more about how yogurt can help kids fight bad breath, too!
What Causes Bad Breath?
Did you know that the average human mouth contains billions of bacteria representing hundreds of different species? Some of these are necessary for essential processes, such as digestion, but others are more harmful.
For example, unhealthy germs are attracted to bits of food that can cling to the teeth and gums. As they thrive, they break down these particles and produce volatile sulfur compounds that cause smelly breath. Different factors, such as neglecting routine dental hygiene, dry mouth, and using tobacco products, can significantly increase the likelihood of halitosis, or chronic bad breath.
Can Yogurt Reduce Bad Breath?
Yogurt is a dairy product made from fermented milk and contains healthy bacteria, often referred to as “yogurt cultures.” These microbes interact with the natural sugar, or lactose, found in milk to produce lactic acid, which curdles the proteins and gives yogurt its thicker texture.
Studies suggest that yogurt bacteria can help manage or overpower odor-causing germs and compounds in the mouth, helping reduce bad breath and other oral issues, such as tooth decay or periodontal problems. Japanese research suggests that drinking 6 ounces of plain, sugar-free yogurt daily can reduce hydrogen sulfide on the tongue and in other parts of the mouth, which may help prevent halitosis.
How Can I Help My Child Avoid Bad Breath?
Giving your child about a cup of sugar-free yogurt each day can be a simple and effective way to help avoid dental problems, but many kids don’t enjoy the flavor. If your child resists, you can help them freshen their breath by:
- Implementing a routine. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that cause unpleasant odors or other concerns.
- Keep their tongue clean. You can also encourage them to gently scrub their tongue with their toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove leftover food particles.
- Have them drink more water. Water rinses germs out of the mouth and helps keep it moist to prevent unwanted bacteria from flourishing.
- Schedule routine dental visits. Seeing their pediatric dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning helps address halitosis and other issues before they progress.
If you have questions about your child’s dental condition or how to help avoid bad breath, you can learn more by contacting their dentist directly!
About the Practice
Patients at Purdy Pediatric Dentistry benefit from a team of providers who specialize in helping kids build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They each are incredibly accomplished individually, and together, they provide a full menu of services, including checkups and cleanings, to meet your child’s unique needs conveniently under one roof. If your little one has halitosis and needs help, you can request an appointment on the website or call (661) 832-5530.