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When children have bad breath or malodor, if it is not caused by the onions they just ate at lunch, the most likely cause is probably poor oral hygiene. Particularly if it is an ongoing issue.

Food particles that become trapped in and around teeeth, if not removed, offer the perfect place for harmful bacteria to grow.  Left unchecked, such bacteria can lead to caries, dental abscesses, gingivitis, and periodontal disease---all of which can be a source of bad breath.  In fact, caries has been shown to be a significan risk factor for oral malodor in children.

Dry mouth can be another source of bad breath.  Colds and a stuffy nose can cause a child to breath through their mouth causing a dry mouth.  Some medications a child may take can also cause a decrease in salivary flow which also causes a dry mouth.  Saliva helps to clean the mouth, neutralizing oral bacteria.  In its absence, food particles and bacteria remain in the mouth for longer periods, allowing for the sour breath.

However,  parents should never ignore the possiblity of some underlying health issues. Tonsilitis, sinusitis, and lung infections can also cause malodor.  There are other medical conditions that can cause bad breath that should be evaluated by your child's physician if the following preventive measures do not solve the problem:

Proper oral hygiene is number one.  Proper brushing twice a day and proper flossing once a day is key to removing the food debris around your teeth. Brushing your tongue is also important to remove food debris that accumulates on the rough surface of the tongue.  However, if these simple steps do not solve the malodor, then you should see your child's dentist and/or their pediatrician.   

Dimensions of Dental Hygiene