really bad breath in 12 year old

[jetcat32]

My DD1 is 12, and has the most horrendous bad breath. She can brush her teeth for 2 mins on a morning, with me standing over her, yet her breath doesnt smell any different! I then do them for another 2 mins but it doesnt make much of a difference.

We have tried all kinds of mouth wash, toothpaste etc. but nothing helps. She was last at dentist a year ago - all was well and she is due back next month.

Someone did mention to me that her kidney problem could be the cause of it (kidney reflux) but i am not sure? She has had this for as long as i remember, though it does seem to be getting worse!

Please does anyone have any tips, as I am worried that she may end up getting picked on at school (she is bit of easy target anyway)

[BonsoirAnna]

Does she floss?

[lilolilmanchester]

my Mum always used to say that if your breath smelled, you needed a poo... any chance she's a bit "bunged up"?

[jetcat32]

no she doesnt floss - should she???

she is regular as clockwork - though i am sure that that end stinks more than normal as well!

Will broach the subject of poo with her later - she is a bit sensitive lol - to see if she is bunged up - though we are talking months/if not years for the bad breath.

thanks for replying

[bruffin]

bad breath can be a symptom of sinus problems. Does she get headaches?

[southeastastra]

take her to the dentist, he can see if there are any dental problems causing it.

[abraid]

Is she a mouth breather at night? IF so, nasal strips may help to keep her nose passages open.

I and my two children use a variety of appliances to stop ourselves breathing through our mouths.

[jetcat32]

wow - so much to consider!!

yes she cleans her tongue, she has one of those fancy toothbrushes to make sure she does!

not dehydrated i would have thought, as due to persistant water/kidney infections, she drinks at least 6 bottles of water a day (under instruction from consultant)

mouth breather?? no idea, she does snore though, i will watch her tonight when she is asleep. May be asking a stupid question, but why does mouth breathing cause bad breath??

no sinus problems as far as i know, she would be the first to tell me if she had a headache.

and she is at dentist next month. When she went for check up last year, he said she just needed to make sure she cleaned her teeth properly - but AFAIK, she/we are!

[abraid]

Yes, it causes bad breath. I speak with bitter experience. If she snores she almost certainly is a mouth breather.

If you google on the British Snoring association or something like that, you'll find a website with lots of ideas. My children use nasal strips on their noses. I use something which is moulded to fit my mouth and stops me breathing through it. I also insert something into my nose to keep it open. I look oh so sexy at night.

[jetcat32]

lol abraid - i actually have sleep apnea, so i use a cpap on a night - def most attractive!!

will look into that, thanks again