Seth's Bad Breath

by Rosie Peters
^{(creative writers at www.morewriting.co.uk)}
There was a young student called Seth,
Whose best friend said, "You've bad breath."
Seth mentioned this to Doctor Strong
And asked just what there could be wrong.
The doctor didn't flinch at all
Or push his chair back to the wall.

Dr Strong spoke kindly to Seth
About the problem with his breath.
"Sometimes there's sinus infection.
That's not so on this occasion.
Your throat looks fine but do you smoke?"
Seth said "Never or I'd be broke."

His conscience too was very clear
When asked about excessive beer.
Doctor Strong had more to explain.
"A healthy diet try to attain.
Avoid curry and spicy food
To keep your breath from smelling crude."

Doctor asked Seth about his poo,
If dentistry was overdue.
Poor Seth reluctantly agreed
Dentists' advice he did not heed.
"Visit the dentist," Doctor said.
Seth cried out, "That's what I dread."

He knew his teeth must be checked
Or chances with girls would be wrecked.
Dentist Miss Price was kind to Seth.
She said "I can improve your breath.
Scale and polish for you young man
And good hygiene we need to plan."

Miss Price was gentle as she worked
To clear the mouth of germs that lurked.
The scale and polish didn't hurt.
Seth's teeth were cleaned of plaque and dirt.
Miss Price gave hints to keep a gloss
She said to buy some dental floss.

For trapped old food will surely smell.
Always brush teeth extremely well.
Cleansing the mouth she told young Seth,
Would help avoid some more bad breath.
"Include the tongue," she said, "Don't rush.
Just use a scraper or a brush.

Mouthwash and sugarless gum are good
To freshen when you know you should.
If the breath's bad when you're quite well
You should be able to rid the smell.
But if there's an odour and you're ill
See the doctor, that's the drill."

Miss Price had something more to say
Before young Seth was on his way.
"Dental appointments you must make
Regular checks, for goodness sake.
Your friend was kind to let you know
That your breath was smelling so."

Dentist Miss Price was wise Seth thought
In all she said and what she taught.
Now Seth has got a fresh breath smile
He's had a girl friend quite a while.
He follows his new hygiene plan
And keeps himself a happy man.