Bad breath

yellowbear

My 11yo has really bad breath. First thing in the morning is just awful.
I've taken to brushing his teeth after he's done just to make sure everywhere is covered. Have used disclosing tablets and it looks like I done it right.
He also brushes his tongue.
Within half an hour his mouth is smelly again.

Toothbrush is changed regularly, although it's manual. Would changing to electric make that much difference?

He mainly drinks water, very occasionally very dilute squash. Doesn't like fizzy drinks.
Has quite a good diet, not really a big sweet eater.

We see the dentist twice a year and he has no fillings. She doesn't seem overly fussed and suggested a mouthwash which we use but doesn't seem to had made a difference.

I know there are a couple of dentists on here. Is there anything I'm missing?

(I don't think this counts as medical advice!)

Toothsmith

There is no need for him to use the mouthwash, and that can sometimes make bad breath worse (By overly drying out the mouth).

Who notices the bad breath? Just you? Other family? Friends too? And are there any times when it seems worse?

If your dentist isn't really concerned, it probably isn't dental in origin (Although I would have hoped she'd be a bit more helpful!)

It is possible that Throat/ear/nose & sinuses could be causing it. Does he drink plenty of water each day? Being dehydrated can cause it, as would being a bit constipated (which is also a problem caused by dehydration). Has it been worse in this hot weather? That would point to dehydration too.

If there is no dental cause, then maybe a trip to the Dr for some suggestions might help

yellowbear

Thanks Toothsmith.

Drinks a good amount. A bottle of water in his packed lunch and able to top it up at school.
Not constipated, goes regularly.

E/N/T seem ok. Rarely gets colds, never complains of toothache, earache or sore throat.

Mainly me that notices it although Dad has commented a couple of times when we've got in from school.

We're seeing the dentist in a couple of weeks. I'll ask again.

Thanks.

fibonarchie

No advice, I'm afraid, but I find eating Smints helps freshen the breath

Toothsmith

And if you have a fair few - it would certainly help constipation too

coffeehound

There are some medical conditions that can cause it, so perhaps worth a visit to his GP.

gardner1

Does he produce lots of saliva.......if not sugar free chewing gum will help

StaffieTerrier

It's worth taking him to the GP. There's lots of things, unrelated to the mouth, that can cause bad breath. My Mom was in a similar position recently and the GP sorted it out

Blaise_in_Surrey

Worth checking his tonsils as they can often be the cause.