Do cavities give you bad breath?

Question

I have a five year old, who is getting ready to go to school, I'm getting ready to make her a dentist appointment, but for about the last year, she has had some really horrid breath. She is a very picky eater and doesn't eat much when she does.

Answer 1

Yes and No. You need to have her brush after every meal. Also "no sugar type products before bed", soda, juice, milk, or candy. Help her floss as well as the brushing. She is only 5 so she needs asistance in these areas.
I'm a Registered Dental Assistant.
Also help keep her tongue brushed.

Answer 2

Cavities can cause bad breath. Bacteria growing in the cavity can release a sulfur compound that creates an unpleasant smell.

There are many other explanations for bad breath (halitosis), some of which can be found here: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/wisdomtooth/badbreat.htm

Answer 3

Cavities don't give bad breath as such. But the same bacteria that cause cavities also cause bad breath. And incidentally, it can make eating painful.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Cavities will give you bad breath because you're smelling someone's teeth rotting. However, since she is only 5 years old, are you sure she's brushing her teeth as thoroughly as she should be?

Answer 5

my causin deanna had bad breath and she had baby bottle syndrome, If she is still on a bottle you should get her to stop because Infants can get cavities just like older children, teens, and adults. However, nursing bottle cavities, or nursing bottle syndrome, is caused by a particular set of circumstances.

What can I do as a parent to prevent baby bottle syndrome?


The most obvious prevention of baby bottle syndrome is to not allow your infant to fall asleep with a bottle in his/her mouth. However, some babies rely on a bottle to fall asleep; in this case, be sure to remove the bottle from the baby shortly after he/she falls asleep. This may require you to keep a close eye on your baby as he/she falls asleep, or to re-enter the baby's room shortly after bedtime to remove the bottle from the crib. In addition, do not allow your child to use the bottle as a pacifier, as a pool of stangnant liquid will thrive. Also, if your baby is comforted by the presence of the bottle and not by the milk, you may wish to fill the bottle with water as an alternative to milk or juice. In order to do this gradually, you may want to slowly dilute sugary substances with water until pure water is accepted by your child easily. Finally, although dipping a pacifier in honey is an old wives tale to help the baby fall asleep happy, its effects can be very detrimental on your infant's teeth.

Are there any other precautions I can take to prevent cavities associated with baby bottle syndrome?

As soon as teeth begin to erupt in your child's mouth, you should begn a routine of daily cleaning, either with a soft toothbrush or a wet washcloth, to remove any bacteria or decay that can form on or around the teeth. Also, around the child's first birthday, you should begin to establish routine visits with your dentist to ensure that any problems are addressed by a professional.


What are some warning signs that baby bottle syndrome may be occuring?

Often, the best way to check your infant's dental health is to schedule an appointment with a dentist. Usually, any visible signs of decay are noticed to the human eye after most of the damamge has been done. Brown spots along the gumline, however, may indicate baby bottle syndrome. Finally, if you notice any tooth sensitivity to hard, hot, or cold foods, you should have your child checked for tooth decay.


n closing, baby bottle syndrome is the most common way for cavities to form within the first few years of your son or daughter's life. Be sure to be aware of the adverse effects that falling asleep with a bottle may have on your baby, and also to set up a dental routine with your dentist as soon as the first teeth erupt

Answer 6

Sounds to me more like she may have stomach problems causing her bad breath.

Cavities don't normally cause bad breath, but plaque will.

If it's not dental problems, consider taking her to her pediatrician to rule out stomach problems.

Answer 7

brush her teeth. i dont think cavities give bad breath

Answer 8

YOU brush her teeth and if she is prone to sinus infections and colds, it will give her rancid breath because of the infection.

Answer 9

I found some good info here.