Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Feeling really awful about myself and my son.

185 replies

Hope54321 · 10/12/2025 13:30

Hello guys,

Hope you’re all having a wonderful day. I am currently struggling with my self esteem and confidence because I am a sufferer of chronic bad breath since about 8 years old. My eldest son was born with bad breath. Doctors are so confused and just throw the usual “it’s acid reflux”. Dentists say we have lovely teeth and a clean mouth. We still stink so bad. My bad breath is at a point where I can no longer mask it with chewing gum. I floss, brush and use mouthwash before I leave the house and I still get reactions from people.

I feel guilty that I passed this horrible disease onto my son. He is only 4 yeas old, he should be enjoying his life. He also has eczema, severe allergies, asthma and autism. Poor kid has a lot going on.

I just can’t take it anymore. The doctors have no idea and I don’t have tonsil stones. I’m really struggling with the bad breath, especially because now my son is suffering. He is repeating what the kids have said to him. After school he kept repeating “you’re stinky”. It breaks my heart to watch him go through what I went through as a kid. I really worry about his future.

People avoid talking to me at his school because of this disease. I’m not sure how much longer I can go on for like this. Thank you for reading. I can’t speak about this to anyone in real life so thanks for reading.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
Xmasdemon · 12/12/2025 10:29

I think you should try a course of amoxicillin and then if that helps even short term you will know it's a bacterial thing or not

Lubilu02 · 12/12/2025 10:23

I just had a quick search online.

Have you had your liver and kidneys checked thoroughly? Perhaps your body is having a hard time filtering your blood. Could the smell be literally coming from your lungs? Does your urine/stools/ smell how you would expect?

Could be an avenue worth researching if everything 'superficial' has not worked.

I hope you find an answer. I would be going back to the doctor for more in depth testing though x

OhGraciousMe · 12/12/2025 10:20

Sorry, I don't have time to read through the entire thread but have you tried oral probiotics? Try lozenges/tablets with "Streptococcus salivarius K12". I only found out about it as I was using a probiotic lozenge as a way to help prevent covid. Search for something on iHerb. I personally have used the Now Foods brand. My mouth definitely felt fresher longer but I didn't use it as a breath help, just for covid. There's plenty online about probiotics and oral hygiene.

Also, use a water flosser in addition to normal flossing. I use Philips but there's plenty of options out there.

Iloveleaveinconditioner · 12/12/2025 10:13

OP, you need to push for a referral to the ENT clinic. I’m really surprised you haven’t already done this. I would not stop now, move hell or high water, this is absolutely no way to live. This is seriously affecting yours and now your sons everyday life and needs to be properly investigated asap. Could you afford to go private? Even if it’s just the initial £250 consultation or whatever, if so, I would be doing that.

I really feel for you re your little boy, heartbreaking. If the bullying or whatever carries on, I’d be looking to try and home school him until you can find the cause/ solution. Appreciate that is all very much easier said than done but a 4 year old should not be having to deal with bullying like this.

Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 10:07

The1990club · 12/12/2025 10:04

it improved but i think it was a mouthwash she used and no absolutely not you needed to be within 30 cm of her face

Show quote history

Mine can be smelled from meters away.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 10:05

Cornelire · 12/12/2025 07:15

I know you have had a barrage of tests. Have you been referred to an ENT consultant? Is that who ran the tests? Have you had an endoscopy? I wouldn't let it go, someone has to know what this is and help you and your son.

I will ask you be referred to an ENT.

OP posts:
The1990club · 12/12/2025 10:04

Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:55

Did she ever get cured? Could she be smelled from meters away?

Show quote history

it improved but i think it was a mouthwash she used and no absolutely not you needed to be within 30 cm of her face

Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:55

The1990club · 12/12/2025 07:39

A close friend suffered with this in secondary school and it was very clear it was not a hygiene issue, she was so self conscious about it. She was open with us about it and used mints but truthfully it didn't bother us and we tried to comfort/ reassure her. I am sorry it is not a solution but I would at least confide in a couple of friends as the issue is bigger in your head than in real life.

Practical suggestion would be to make sure you eat and drink enough as I know from dieting my breath stinks when fasting or if I cut out carbs

Try that CB40?? Mouthwash

Breath more through your nose when talking or just keep a bit of distance, I think you need to be very close to smell someone's breath

I am sorry you feel this way and I hope you can find a solution. I would try herbal or Chinese medicine too, have literally nothing to lose by giving it a go

Good luck and I hope yiu find a solution or find peace xxx

Show quote history

Did she ever get cured? Could she be smelled from meters away?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:54

AussieManque · 12/12/2025 08:26

Have you tried oral probiotics for dental and mouth health. Like BlisK12 but there are other salivarus ones specific for the mouth.

Yes i have consistently and many different brands.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:51

YourFairCyanReader · 11/12/2025 23:35

Is there anything at all you have noticed has made it better temporarily, or worse? Time of day? Is it worse when you or your DS have a cold? Do you have any reflux issues?

Show quote history

It’s much worse when we have a cold.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:51

MrsMoastyToasty · 11/12/2025 23:40

Have you been tested for diabetes?

Yes, I don’t have diabetes.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:49

Frenchtoastie · 11/12/2025 22:49

Have you tried plaque disclosing tablets to ensure your flossing and brushing is perfect?
try use interdental brushes as well as floss

I think this issue is beyond flossing and brushing. My son had bad breath before he even had teeth.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:48

Wearealldoingourbest · 11/12/2025 22:41

Oh gosh that sounds so distressing - and it sounds like you've investigated really thoroughly. A thought - undiagnosed coeliac disease caused gross breath for my DD (not quite poo smelling though)? Another option if you haven't already tried it is Fenugreek (the spice) great for GI issues and smell.

I used to take a probiotic that contained ginger and fenugreek, it didn’t make any difference to my breath.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:47

tessellated2 · 11/12/2025 22:47

Tonsil stones?

I have checked thouroughly, never seem to find any.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:47

tessellated2 · 11/12/2025 22:47

Tonsil stones?

I have checked thouroughly, never seem to find any.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:45

TryingAgainAgainAgain · 11/12/2025 22:41

You have tried a lot, OP. It must be so frustrating. But when you say you've tried probiotics including some for the oral biome, which ones? As it needs to be the right strains, in the right concentration.

Edited

I have tried many many different ones for both gut and oral micro biome.

OP posts:
Cyantist · 12/12/2025 09:44

Someone previously mentioned sinus infection. I find the smell with this is exactly as you describes (it's literally like poo - it's vile).
Chronic rhinosinusitis would explain it I think - and there's a lot of gene mutations associated with it which would explain why you passed it on. That doesn't mean it's not treatable!

Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:44

FlockOfSausages · 11/12/2025 22:31

Have you tried zylatol? It’s a game changer.

I chew xylitol gum everyday.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hope54321 · 12/12/2025 09:40

sunshinestar1986 · 11/12/2025 23:27

How about keto or even carnivore

Show quote history

I haven’t tried keto or carnivore, I might give it a try once I stop breastfeeding.

OP posts:
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr · 12/12/2025 09:33

GinJeanie · 11/12/2025 21:33

https://www.breathinstitute.co.uk/doctor-jonas-nunes/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1701018919&gclid=Cj0KCQiA9OnJBhD-ARIsAPV51xNpR6EyHHC2IbMqIswHXsP-bKWUw9dsHZOfdi1URDjtjnW5E0MHZ6MaAhzxEALw_wcB

This guy is brilliant... He should give you a free phone consultation and copy of his E-book before you commit to tests/treatment. No obligation. He really helped a family member of mine. So sorry you're going through this.

@Hope54321 Did you miss this post? Or did I miss your reply to it?! Looks potentially extremely useful.

justalittlethought · 12/12/2025 09:32

Hope54321 · 10/12/2025 13:30

Hello guys,

Hope you’re all having a wonderful day. I am currently struggling with my self esteem and confidence because I am a sufferer of chronic bad breath since about 8 years old. My eldest son was born with bad breath. Doctors are so confused and just throw the usual “it’s acid reflux”. Dentists say we have lovely teeth and a clean mouth. We still stink so bad. My bad breath is at a point where I can no longer mask it with chewing gum. I floss, brush and use mouthwash before I leave the house and I still get reactions from people.

I feel guilty that I passed this horrible disease onto my son. He is only 4 yeas old, he should be enjoying his life. He also has eczema, severe allergies, asthma and autism. Poor kid has a lot going on.

I just can’t take it anymore. The doctors have no idea and I don’t have tonsil stones. I’m really struggling with the bad breath, especially because now my son is suffering. He is repeating what the kids have said to him. After school he kept repeating “you’re stinky”. It breaks my heart to watch him go through what I went through as a kid. I really worry about his future.

People avoid talking to me at his school because of this disease. I’m not sure how much longer I can go on for like this. Thank you for reading. I can’t speak about this to anyone in real life so thanks for reading.

@Hope54321 So sorry to learn about your worry and distress.

May I ask, and sorry I've not RTWT, but have others definitely confirmed that you have bad breath?

I only ask as my eldest son (18) has for the last couple of years been convinced he has bad breath and will take neither my, his father's or sister's word for it. His usual dentist couldn't sense anything either.

My son persisted and I booked him in at a clinic where they can measure these things. She said the device had picked something up but 100% he did not smell!!

I do remember when I was in my teens I was convinced too, maybe something about a heightened sense of smell during a hormonal period?

Either way, if other people (i.e. family and friends) absolutely say there is not smell, please trust them.

There is a condition for 'imagined' bad breath - pseudohalitosis.

Ihadalittletime · 12/12/2025 09:22

I have known two people with very bad breath over the years. With the one it smelt like it could be a stomach/gut issue and the other more from the mouth. They used to clean their teeth and use mouthwash during the day but you could still smell it. In fact the whole room smelt wherever they went so to the person who said you have to get close to someone to smell bad breath, I would say with normal bad breath like garlic or coffee yes but where there is a bigger ongoing problem then no and it is very noticeable.

Both these people were teachers so they had a lot of comments all day long from pupils about the bad smell. I worked with the one person for ten years and they always smelt from quite a distance.

It must be awful for you op and it’s obviously not a ‘normal’ hygiene issue. You would think someone medical would be able to help you.

Goditsmemargaret · 12/12/2025 09:20

Oh OP, you poor honey. This sounds awful and I'd be crushed to hear my DC repeating those words. It's opening an old wound for you too.

I understand the guilt even though it's Illogical. I've had cancer three times and I look at my DC and worry about what future I've given them.

You seem to have tried everything but have you gone to see an Ayurvedic doctor? One helped me when nobody else could.

CalculatingCrispen · 12/12/2025 09:11

Tippexy · 11/12/2025 23:19

Or, maybe, you don’t actually have bad breath…?

Despite numerous people telling her, kids at school calling her son stinky, doctors obviously agreeing she has and doing all sorts of tests on her and giving her meds?

Okay then 🙄

Iris2020 · 12/12/2025 09:05

So sorry OP, it sounds like you really have tried a lot of potential solutions to no avail.
I hope you stumble across something that changes your life.