Smoking and Tobacco
That foul odor coming from your teen's mouth might be the result of some new extracurricular activities. The teenage years can be a prime time to experiment with smoking and tobacco use. Not only is this bad for your teen's overall health, but it can have a long-lasting impact on their teeth as well. Because the source of the stench comes from the lungs, no amount of brushing or mouthwash will fix this bad breath.
Solution: The only solution to bad breath from tobacco is to quit! Educate your teen on the lifelong impact of tobacco use, and follow these steps to help your teen quit smoking sooner rather than later.
Medical Conditions
In a majority of cases, halitosis has an oral origin. However, suppose you and your teen have ruled everything else out. In that case, the problem might be another medical condition, such as a sinus infection, gastric reflux, diabetes, or liver or kidney disease.
Solution: Make an appointment with your primary care physician to determine if a medical condition is causing your teen's bad breath.
Treating Your Teenager's Bad Breath
If you're still concerned about the state of your teen's breath — or how it's impacting their physical, mental, or emotional health — don't hesitate to reach out to your dental professional. They can help you find the root of the problem and help your teen find fresh breath and fresh confidence.