Objective: determine whether there is a correlation between halitosis and mouth breathing in children. Study design: Fifty-five children between three and 14 years of age were divided into two groups (nasal and mouth breathing) for the assessment of halitosis. Descriptive analysis was carried out regarding the degree of halitosis in each group. The chi-square test was used for the comparison between groups, with 5% level of significance.

Inclusion Criteria:

All children registered at the clinic of the specialization course in pediatric dentistry of the ABCD/SP in 2008 were included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

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All children registered at the clinic of the specialization course in pediatric dentistry of the ABCD/SP in 2008 were included in the study.

The children were divided into two groups based on breathing pattern (nasal and mouth) for the evaluation of halitosis. Breathing pattern was determined by a clinical evaluation and specific tests (mirror test and water-in-mouth test) and confirmed by the evaluation of an otolaryngologist.