5 Year Old Has Bad Breath

We had this similar problem, and started using a Scooby Doo mouthwash (berry flavored, available at most drug or grocery stores), that tastes good and shows my son where to brush (as it leaves blue tint where he needs to go back over). It's made a difference in that he just brushes longer, and it has mouthwash in it. For what it's worth...

They have some new stuff out on the market that would help. It is Listerine brand pre-brush, it is cool for the kids because they swish in their mouth for 30 seconds or so and it leaves color in their mouth until they brush right after. It comes in two flavors cool mint and bubble gum.. Listerine is the best for gingivitis and such too..SO try it and see if it helps...

Not trying to be gross here...

How long has your daughter had it? My 4 year old nephew had developed halitosis and for two months, back forth with the Pediatrician and Dentist, no one could explain it or find a solution to it. One day my brother decided to look for himself. He checked his nose and mouth. Low and behold, there it was. Something shoved up his nose.

They took him back to the Ped. and he said that my nephew had shoved a piece of Nerf Ball up his nose so far that no one seen it. With time, it had started to come back down the nasal cavity. They were able to pull it out without surgery. It was disgusting; covered in mold and all. Of course he had a nose bleed for a while too.

He was so happy and took a deep breath through his nose and said "that smells better."

You may want to test her body pH. Bad breath can be from eating too many acidic foods, turning the stomach acidic. When this happens, a lot of unfriendly smelly bacteria stay in the digestive tract. You can read more and get pH test strips at www.pHion.com. Many people have this from eating too many french fries, meat, soda, etc. and it also leads to all other types of problems.

I would love to know as well my 5 year old son is the same way...

Have her drink more water. I find my girls get bad breath if the don't drink enough plain old water during the day.

Hello,

Have you thought about what she is eating? My niece was eating a lot of sugar and greasy foods and began to have bad breath. She was also eating that Gerber Graduates food, which from my observation, sometimes left greasy residue in the container when she was done. So make sure your daughters diet doesn't consist of too much sugar or greasy or fried foods.

I noticed my son's breath beginning to smell after we would give him adult apple sauce which is very high in sugar, and he's only 10 months old.

My son had this problem when he was very young. We found out that it was his digestive system causing it. He was not having regular BMs like he should have, therefore backing-up his system and causing his bad breath. Maybe giving her extra juice or whatever makes her go really well for a short time will help. (Please check with the doctor first.) Good luck.

Hi K.,

Bad breath does not only come from your teeth or tongue. How regular are your daughter BM's she might just need a good cleaning out. One weekend give her a good (GOOD ) cleaning out and see if that help, I'm sure it will...

I'm not sure when you did your orignal post, but I do have one thing for you to try if you haven't already. I've been told by my pediatrician that milk is often the cause of bad breath. Try taking all milk products out of her diet - cheese, yogurt, etc. It takes about 2 weeks to clear it so stick to it if you are going to do it. It's non invasive and if it doesn't work you have lost nothing. But I thought you should try it.

I'm not sure that having her adenoids and tonsils removed wouldn't prevent these from occuring, but there are pockets on the back of the throat that can trap food and "grow" these little hard, white curd-looking things called tonsilloliths. They smell horrible, and can usually be removed by a doctor or dentist flushing the pockets and using a long tool to clear it.

Any chance she had reflux? That can cause bad breath.

my son has bad breath when he has a sinus infection. worth checking out. antibiotics can clear it up. his was severe and took a month of antibiotics. hes fine now. also, be sure she eats yogurt or drinks yogurt drinks. puts good bacteria back in your system after a cold, etc. keifer has a good brand with little or no sugar in it - laban is the name from the middle east for it - really helps with everything - you'd be surprised.

I have heard of this before but never had to go through it. I read a couple times that parents couldn't figure out why their child had the worst breath and took the child to the doctor and come to find out that the child stuck something up their nose. The kids were fine just bad breath. I don't want to alarm you but if you tried everything else you may want your pediatrician to check there. You know kids they will put anything anywhere that doesn't seem possible.

Because you mentioned your daughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed at such an early age and snored w/ sleep apnea, I would suggest you see an allergist. Sounds like she may have a food allergy. My oldest son used to have terrible breath and we found out he is allergic to wheat and milk. Now he is fine. He use to have eczema and asthma and no longer has any problems with either one of those. So food allergies can cause more problems than just stomach upset. Hope this helps. A.

I talked to my doctor about my 4yo daughter's bad breath -- hers was caused by a sinus infection.

Hola!! I also had the same problem with one of my daughters when she was about 3 years old. I took her to the doctor and she has parasites. I think you said you had her tested for something like that already but just thought I would let you know anyway. We gave her the horrible parasite medicine and she was fine after that and the bad breath was history!! (I only say 'horrible' medicine because I typically don't give my kids antibiotics or anything like that, I generally like to use natural methods) Anyway, I hope this helps a little... Good luck!

If she has any sinus issues she will have bad breath. Also eating certain foods will give bad breath, and I dont mean garlic or onions. Things like too much sugar for one.
Does she have acid reflux or heartburn?, that can cause bad breath as well.
You can try brushing her tongue especially the back of it, which is where alot of odor comes from. And floss her teeth. Hopefully some of this info will help.