How can a teenager manage persistent bad breath issues?

Question

Hi doctor,

My teenage daughter has been struggling with bad breath for two years. She has impeccable tooth cleaning habits and consults her dentist every six months. Is this related to sinuses or tonsils? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am here to answer your queries.

Teenagers usually have improper oral hygiene. I suggest you follow these tips to get some relief. Your daughter can use an electric toothbrush. It has a timer in it. When you start using it, push the button. It will stop after two minutes and do not turn it off before it and if possible, continue using it for some more time. Start using it from one side of the mouth by placing it at the junction of the gum line and tooth. Keep the head of the brush on the teeth for four to five seconds. Do not move your brush in a scrubbing motion or in back-and-forth motion. After five seconds, move it to the next adjacent area and keep it there again for five seconds. Do this to clean your mouth completely. She can use dental floss. Use it once a day on all the teeth. She can also use Listerine mouthwash (Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl salicylate, and Thymol)15 ml for 30 seconds. Use them after 30 minutes of brushing. Ask her to chew Xylitol gum.

I hope I have answered your queries. Do get back in case of any further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

Yes, it can occur due to throat infection, tonsil infection, stomach disorder, and liver disorder. Most often, it is dental-related. But it can be well controlled. Follow the instructions as mentioned above for a month. If it does not help you, consult a doctor soon.

I wish you good health.

Thank you.