Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Any dentists? Child with bad breath

27 replies

whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 10:44

I’m getting desperate! DS (10) has had bad breath for weeks now, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m trying hard not to make him feel self conscious, so have not made a big thing of it to him, but I can’t figure out what the problem is.

He brushes his teeth 2 or 3 times a day with an electric toothbrush. Recently I have done it a few times to make sure it is done properly, but it makes no difference. He is brushing his tongue and the roof of his mouth. The smell is still there straight after brushing.

He has started using a mouthwash, but again this doesn’t seem to help.

There is no sign of anything in his mouth and his teeth all look fine.

I don’t really notice the smell if his mouth is just open, if he is just breathing. It’s mostly only noticeable when he talks. It’s a sort of stale smell, but unpleasant.

The dentist is closed, and I’m out of ideas. Has anyone got any thoughts?

OP posts:
TDL2016 · 01/05/2020 10:48

He needs to floss daily. You haven’t included it the post, so I assume he’s not doing it.

Enb76 · 01/05/2020 10:52

It might be nothing to do with his teeth, he may well have a mild tonsil infection.

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 10:53

No, you’re right - he doesn’t do that as regularly as he should. I’ll make sure that he does it daily again.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Children's health Dental health General health
Foggymist · 01/05/2020 10:56

He might have a minor infection, tonsils, sinuses, etc.

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 10:56

I forgot to say - he had his tonsils removed when he was 4. He had terrible breath before they were removed (tonsil stones), but this is a different smell.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 01/05/2020 10:56

It might be his throat, 3 times a day is a bit excessive if the sme ll isn't going away it is maybe not his teeth,

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:02

He seems in good health apart from the smell, but I suppose it could be something minor. It has been over a month though. His teacher gave him a mint the other day 🙁

OP posts:
Letsbegin · 01/05/2020 11:04

Some stomach issues can cause bad breath. Does he have reflux or anything? Dairy allergy?

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:04

In normal times, I’d have popped him to the dentist / GP by now, but it seems too minor a problem at the moment.

OP posts:
Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:05

He does have a dairy intolerance, so is dairy free

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 01/05/2020 11:05

Is he complaining of toothache or a "funny taste" .

PlanDeRaccordement · 01/05/2020 11:07

Might be a sinus infection. Does he get headaches?

Mrsjayy · 01/05/2020 11:07

I think it is fine to make a non emegency appintment or even phone appoinment.

HotDogGuy · 01/05/2020 11:07

Is he drinking enough water? My 7 year old’s breath is digesting when he’s not drinking enough.

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:07

No toothache or funny taste

OP posts:
Letsbegin · 01/05/2020 11:08

Could also be a sign of vitamin deficiency iron and b12 spring to mind. Might be worth checking with GP.

redferrari · 01/05/2020 11:10

Bad breathe could be a sign of diabetes (my dad has this)

www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/990049/diabetes-type-2-symptoms-smell-bad-breath-high-blood-sugar-dr-chris

redferrari · 01/05/2020 11:10

Sorry don't mean to scare you but definitely speak to GP on phone if you can

AnnofPeeves · 01/05/2020 11:13

Did he have his adenoids out at the same time as his tonsils? Children with inflamed adenoids often have very bad breath. The best way I can describe the smell is snot mixed with a damp dirty jumper!

Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:15

Okay, so he has just told me he hasn’t had a poo 3 days, which is not usual for him. He has had digestive issues related to the milk intolerance in the past, so stomach issues may be a possible cause. And I think he could drink more (especially with the toilet revelation!), so they are a couple of things to work on.
If it persists after he is pooing normally, and I know he is drinking properly, I will see if I can get a telephone consultation.

OP posts:
Original poster
whatcanthematterbe · 01/05/2020 11:22

He did have his adenoids out, but it is that sort of smell! It smells like the jumpers in the lost property box at school 🤢 But only when he talks.

I will definitely get in touch with the GP if things don’t improve, or if he develops any other symptoms. Thank you everyone - I really appreciate it

OP posts:
skybluee · 01/05/2020 11:23
  • try gargling with warm sea salt water, it isn't that unpleasant if you don't put too much in.
  • swill coconut oil around mouth then spit into tissue (don't spit it into the sink or toilet, it's not good for it)... this can really help.
  • obviously try to get the underlying issue sorted.

if he is cleaning his tongue with his toothbrush and cleaning his teeth with the same one that can cause problems. the bacteria builds on the toothbrush then you're just brushing your teeth with it. ideally get a cheap toothbrush for cleaning tongue and keep it separate. i think you can get toothbrushes for about 50p if you look in the right place. you can also bulk buy them online. maybe try boiling that every few days as well.

Mrsjayy · 01/05/2020 11:45

Well if he hasn't had a poo he might have impactation try uping his fluids and fruit see how it goes.

CatSmize · 01/05/2020 11:49

My DH had the same problem and it turned out to be helicobacter pylori which is a very common stomach bacteria. He took antibiotics and another medication (can't remember which) and it literally disappeared overnight.

He had to take in a stool sample. Worth mentioning when you see your GP.

Foggymist · 01/05/2020 15:59

My son had his adenoids out but still gets bad breath due to allergic rhinitis and any colds etc.