This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements, such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription may have been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.
All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.
Bad Breath Could Mean More Than Poor Brushing
Kids come with their own variety of fun smells. Some are expected, and some are not. I'll help you figure out your stinky kid on The Scope. I'm Dr. Cindy Gellner.
Most smells that kids have can be attributed to them being active little explorers and wash off with soap, water, and tooth brushing. But what if that smell doesn't? If your smell is coming from your child's mouth and they brush their teeth regularly and are properly hydrated, the source of the bad breath could be the tonsils.
If they are red, swollen, or have white gunk on them, it could be strep, and your child should see a doctor.
If your child's tonsils look fine, but their halitosis could bowl you over, it might be from post-nasal drainage. Mucus that doesn't come out of their noses drips down their throat. They just may need some good old-fashioned nasal saline, or they may have allergies.
If your child's breath smells very fruity, and they are complaining of stomach aches a lot or have a new onset of bed-wetting, get their sugar levels checked at your pediatrician's office. That may be Type 1 diabetes, the kind that starts in childhood.
Ear Odor and Drainage
If the odor is from the ears, it's probably wax. Wax can be light yellow to dark brown and comes with its own odd smell depending on the amount of buildup and how long it's been there. Remember, earwax is there to protect the ear canal from dirt, debris, and bacteria. If you notice a really funky smell, and there's pus coming out of your child's ear, time to get them to the doctor for some antibiotic ear drops.
Some Children Develop Body Odor Early
Armpits. We all know armpits stink, but we don't expect it until puberty. It's not actually uncommon for younger kids to have armpit smells. This smell is due to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. And as long as your child doesn't have any other signs of puberty, and they're under the age of eight, it's not a concern. Puberty can hit any time after the age of eight, so the armpits can smell from then on.
How to Manage Stinky Feet in Kids
I often have parents coming in saying they are not buying another pair of shoes until they figure out why their child's feet stink up the whole house. Kids' feet sweat more than adults' feet sweat. Increased sweat means increased bacteria means increased odor. Make sure your child has clean feet, changes their socks when they're sweaty, and wears breathable shoes if possible.
A trick I tell parents is to use a Crystal deodorant stick. It's a tube of salt crystal found in the deodorant section, and it's in a purple container. Wet the feet in the morning and rub the stick on them. That will help block the sweat. Also, use foot powder in the shoes to absorb any sweat and help mask the odor.
When Vaginal Odor in Young Girls Needs Attention
Then there are the privates no one wants to talk about. What if your daughter has a smell coming from down there? Young girls and infants may have normal vaginal odor. Diapers and urine may make the smell a little stronger. However, if your daughter has a smell, redness, itching, and may complain that it hurts when she pees, it's probably vulvovaginitis. This is very common in young girls before puberty, and it is caused by soap residue in concentrated urine. It is easily treated, and your pediatrician will be able to tell you if your daughter has it.
Why Stool Leaks and Odor Can Be a Sign of Constipation
Finally, there's the backside. If your child smells like they're constantly having gas, but they're not, check their pants. No, they don't mean to poop in their pants, but many kids do. Some kids get really constipated, so much so that liquid stool seeps out around the hard stool and leaks out into the underwear.
That is called encopresis, and it's more common than you might think. It can be very embarrassing for kids, and they won't want to say anything. Your pediatrician has ways to help you with this so that your child can be confident about being continent again.
So next time you get a whiff of something strange emanating from your child's body, think, does my child need to get in the shower, or do I need to make an appointment to figure out what's that smell?
updated: March 15, 2021
originally published: April 18, 2016
More Answers to Your Questions on Keeping Your Kid Healthy and Happy
Latest trends and issues in children's health on the Healthy Kids Zone with Dr. Cindy Gellner
What That Smell Means: A Parent's Guide to Child Odors
Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the ER for a Nose Injury?
Does your child's nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It is pretty typical for kids to hurt their noses as they play and explore. Learn when you should treat your child's injured nose at home and when it is time to go to the doctor.
How to Treat Your Child's Cold Sore
Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Learn when to ask your doctor about prescription treatment.
Is Your Child Peeing Too Often? Frequent Urination in Young Children Explained
Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Learn the warning signs that deserve medical attention and how reassurance often becomes the best treatment.
Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Learn about at-home treatments, how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.
My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.
How to Make Your Child Comfortable While They Recover From the Flu
If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.
