Did you ever say hello to someone and then wish you had kept your mouth shut so they would be obliged to keep theirs shut too? I do not know about you but that is not the effect I would want my child to have on others. Oral hygiene is important. Yes, perhaps even more important than body hygiene although a funky body order is just as undesirable.

Most healthy people have unpleasant smelling breath sometimes, especially when they wake up. There is no excuse for bad breath unless it is an illness that cannot be helped. Even young children who are only breastfeeding will need to get their mouths wiped with a soft moist cotton cloth. It is never too early to start minding a child’s oral hygiene.

For most people, the most common cause of bad breath is sulphur compounds made by bacteria when they break down the remains of food in the mouth.Most people have large numbers of bacteria in their mouth, and they have even more if they have dental plaque because they have not cleaned their teeth well enough. These bacteria can also form a white, grey or yellowish coating on the tongue in some people. The bacteria usually do not cause infections or illness but sometimes infections in the gums (gingivitis), tonsils, sinuses and nose mean there are even more bacteria to cause a bad smell. Having a very dry mouth, usually so to a cold or nasal congestion or even sinusitis can also cause temporary bad breath because there is less saliva to wash away bacteria. Some foods, such as garlic, onions and curry will cause a change in the smell of your breath for a short time. 

Only a few people have bad breath most of the time. If people have really bad breath (halitosis), it can have a big effect on their social life and what other people think about them. To fight the problem, try to discover the cause of the fowl breath. If the cause is not one of the ones mentioned above, then the problem will have to be seriously dealt with.

What to do if you have bad breath

• Make sure that teeth are cleaned well. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush to clean teeth twice a day. You should always remember to brush your tongue at the same time. 

• Avoid foods that are sticky and high in sugars. Bacteria love sugary food that sticks to your teeth! 

• Encourage the children to have a drink of water after eating, and whenever your mouth feels dry. 

• Mouth washes and breath fresheners can hide bad breath for a little while, but they don’t get to the cause of the problem and their effects do not last. If the problem keeps recurring you may need to see a dentist.

• Your dentist or dental therapist should regularly check the health of your children’s mouth and teeth, and give you advice about dental hygiene and any treatment they might need. 

Remember that most people have ‘bad breath’ when they wake up, so don’t worry about that. A drink of water will help clean your mouth before breakfast. Remember to brush your teeth after every meal.