DS has horrible breath - what to try first?

[NomDePlumeDeMaTante]

DS is 8 and I've noticed for a little while that his breath is often really stinky - almost a poo smell at times. It's not just in the mornings either. We do toothbrushing twice daily and he's not had any problems picked up at dental checkups previously (though I only noticed the problem after the last one, so didn't mention it to the dentist then).

I have wondered whether he wasn't drinking enough and tried to encourage him to have more, but I'm not sure whether that's actually the issue or not. (He drinks mainly milk at home, if that's relevant, as he's not so keen on water but does have water at school).

What should I be trying first - trip to the doctor or dentist? Or anything else we can try at home? I am worried people at school will start avoiding him if it doesn't improve.

Thank you...

[AnthonyPandy]

Try the dentist. Speak to the receptionist privately, ask him/her to tell the dentist he has bad breath so the dentist can check for gum disease etc without discussing it out loud when your son can hear.

And the GP, check for throat and nose infections.

Cut down on the milk and replace with something else (don't cut out the milk totally, just decrease it). Is he brushing his teeth properly? Would he let you have a go? Can he gargle? I think I heard that that can keep tonsil stones at bay somewhat.

[KP86]

Does he clean his tongue as well?

[Clareoo223]

Clean his tongue and mouthwash.

[hollinhurst84]

My gut says tonsil stones. Stick a torch on and have a look, I get them and I can tell when other people have them now

[NomDePlumeDeMaTante]

He doesn't brush his teeth that well (tendency to sneak off and just suck his toothbrush while reading a book...) but DH or I always do a good final brush at the end so I don't think it's that.

We've not done tongue cleaning routinely, although lately I have got him to do it once or twice to see if it helped, we could try doing it a bit more I suppose and maybe mouthwash (though I suspect he will protest). Then dentist or GP if that doesn't help I suppose...

[TheCraicDealer]

Is he snuffly? Could be post nasal drip. All that milk might be helping to create a lot of phlegm as well which wouldn't help. Does he get a lot of colds/sore throats? If so tonsil stones could be the culprit.

Also get him to floss if you can, him gently and under supervison. Might be gum inflammation/trapped food- my breath is always stinky when mine flare up.

[Mangetoutisdelicious]

Mouthrinsing should be done at a completely separate time to toothbrushing OP.
Most likely halitosis cause is poor oral hygiene, just completely take over the toothbrushing routine.Before breakfast and last thing at night, plus tongue brush.

[makingmiracles]

Mine has the same problem, doesn't matter if he's brushed/mouth washed, he still has very bad breath, I'm also convinced it's tonsil stones as his dad had them and yes, it makes your breath smell of poo!

Wondering if the dentist will be able to indentify if he has stones or wether it's best to go to gp? Can't see much myself from just looking in his mouth

[Fairylea]

I bet he has tonsil stones.

[SnuffleGruntSnorter]

Has he got something stuck up his nose and forgotten about it? It's a common question in med school exams

[NomDePlumeDeMaTante]

He is a bit snuffly sometimes but hasn't ever complained of sore throats really.

I have talked to him about it a bit (gently) and decided we will try extra-good toothbrushing (though it is already pretty good and first/last thing daily) and also add the tongue brushing, and I will look into mouthwash (not sure the one we have now is suitable for children). I doubt we'll manage flossing as well though as it's hard enough work getting the quality toothbrushing done... Then if that doesn't work I'll get him to the dentist and/or GP.

I did have a go looking down his throat but couldn't see anything, though mainly because he always got his tongue in the way!

I'll ask him about things up his nose tomorrow though he's a bit old for that I would have thought at 8? And was never really the type of kid that did that sort of thing (well, so far anyway).

[SnuffleGruntSnorter]

I'd have also thought 8 was too old but having removed something horrible from the war of a grown man recently...

[SnuffleGruntSnorter]

Ear not war

[NomDePlumeDeMaTante]

As it happens I just got a batch of texts from the dentist this morning reminding me that we are all due for checkups again... so I'll book us in soon and hopefully he will be able to help get to the bottom of it!

[MaterofDragons]

My son had this and it was due to post nasal drip. A quick squirt with the nasal spray just before bed each night and it's now part of our bedtime routine. It worked immediately next day his breath was fresh.

[DubiousCredentials]

My son had this at 8. Dentist and GP said nothing wrong. We went back to brushing his teeth for him and it improved. We also bought him an adult tooth brush rather than a child's one.

I think it was a combination of inadequate brushing on his part and emerging/wobbly teeth.