6 year old bad breath

[clto2021]

My 6 old son's breath really smells. I've just had to send him to brush his teeth again because I couldn't stand the smell of him breathing next to me. Despite him being nearly 7 I still brush his teeth for him twice a day (after his own independent attempt) but his breath continually smells. We haven't managed to get to the dentist since this time last year due to the lockdown etc. I can't see any obvious decay and he isn't complaining of any pain. Previous dental appointments have always been fine. At first I thought it may be due to wobbly teeth but he now has all his front grown up teeth and it still stinks. He refuses mouth wash. Any clue what might be causing it? Or any ideas to prevent the smell? I don't want people to start picking on him for it.

Tonsil stones? In what way is it bad, can you describe the smell?

I can't really think how to explain other than it being similar to "ill breath". That kind of horrible smell you get when you have a sore throat. But he's not unwell and I can't see anything on his tonsils.

Do you brush his tongue as well?

@brokenkettle

Do you brush his tongue as well?

Actually, probably not. I will give that a try. Thank you

@brokenkettle

Do you brush his tongue as well?

Actually, probably not. I will give that a try. Thank you

@brokenkettle

Do you brush his tongue as well?

Actually, probably not. I will give that a try. Thank you

Sorry, don't know why that has posted 3 times!!!

My DS gets this when he needs a drink. Could try upping his fluids?

@choosername1234

My DS gets this when he needs a drink. Could try upping his fluids?

Hmm could be, although I think he drinking a normal amount. However will monitor and encourage him to drink. Thanks for your reply 😊

Also thinking tonsil stones, even if they’re not visible give his tonsils a squeeze... very satisfying

My little one had foul breath even after me helping them brushing their teeth and tongue twice a day. Turned out they had viral tonsillitis a day later, complained of a dry mouth and got a high temperature. Glands at back of neck were up too, not under chin where I tried to check 😳.

Also, possibly sinus infection if snuffly and breathing through mouth at night?

Hope you get to bottom of it soon.

Yes to lots of water!

I think I read a link with a bad gut but i could be totally wrong. Has he got a white tongue?
I did a quick google and it said
The review cites a study, which found that the Streptococcus salivarius strain K12 effectively reduces the bacterial growth associated with halitosis. Researchers gave test subjects K12 probiotic lozenges, and after one week, 85 percent of participants showed a significant reduction in VSC.

My DS has always had bad breath when he's had new teeth growing.

At six, your DS is about the right age for his back molars to be coming through, could it be that?

Thanks everyone for your replies. No white tongue or any sign of illness as far as I can tell. May just be teeth coming. Will up his fluids and keep brushing his teeth and tongue.

Worms

Is he constipated?

No sign of worms (and I do monitor because my youngest had worms a few months ago which we all had treatment for) and not constipated.

What does he eat? I have a child whose breath is often not great but has really bad smelling poop/burps/farts etc Eats a diet with lots of meat, processed carbs and sugary snacks. Also loves pickled onion flavoured crisps and pickled onions. Things like that.

Tonsil stones STINK!

Is it acidic smelling? Could it be reflux?

His diet (although not perfect) is fairly balanced and not much different to the rest of the family. How would I know if he had tonsil stones?

It doesn't really smell acidic.

Tonsil stones I reckon.

Not sure how you'd squeeze them out of the child!?!

They smell foul foul. Hard to describe

if his breath smells of pear drops/nail varnish remover and he's Tired, lost weight, going to the loo more often or bed wetting or more thirsty than usual please seek medical attention (signs of type 1 diabetes)