Announcer: The Health Minute, produced by University of Utah Health.
Interviewer: Some kid smells are normal, some aren't. Pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner, what kid smell should concern parents?
Dr. Gellner: So most smells that kids have can be attributed to them being active little explorers and can easily be washed off with soap, water, and a toothbrush. But some smells aren't normal. If the stinky smell is coming from their mouth and they brush their teeth regularly and are properly hydrated, it could be their tonsils. Red, swollen tonsils with white gunk on them could be strep. If your child's breath smells fruity and they're complaining of stomachaches or have new onset bedwetting, get their sugar levels checked. That might be type 1 diabetes. And finally, there's the backside. If your child smells like they're constantly having gas but they're not, check their pants. Some kids get really constipated. It's more common than you might think. It's very embarrassing and they won't want to say anything but your pediatrician can help.
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