I suspect that your daughter’s snoring and her bad breath are linked. Snoring is common in pre-school children and tends to improve by the age of 7 or 8.

Young children, who are prone to coughs, colds and minor infections, tend to have big adenoids and tonsils. Snoring is caused by a slight blockage in breathing, as the throat muscles relax during sleep. As a child matures, and their immune system develops, the tonsils and adenoids shrink and the problem resolves.

When your daughter snores, she’s breathing through her mouth, which gets dry allowing bacteria to multiply, producing chemicals that cause a smell. There can be other causes. Check with your dentist to exclude a dental problem, and your GP, about her diet, which can be linked to bad breath. Make sure she has plenty to drink during the day as dehydration can worsen bad breath.

Bereavement

A friend’s 10-year-old daughter has just died after a short illness. I want to help but I don’t know what to say to her. Can you advise me on how to handle this? Name and address supplied

I think many people would share your feelings of helplessness. It can be difficult to know what to say and, unfortunately, there isn’t much you can say to ease your friend’s pain. The death of a child is a terrible experience for any parent.

The best way you can help is by being there. You might think it best not to discuss your friend’s daughter with her, as this will remind her of her loss. In fact, most bereaved parents want to talk about their children. Take your lead from her; if she wants to talk, let her, but at other times she might want to sit in silence. Practical help may be appreciated, too; for instance, gifts of food.

It’s important to be there after the funeral. Ask whether there is anything you can do: pick up children from school, shopping. Think about sending a note at special times, for instance her daughter’s birthday, the anniversary of the death. A simple “I am thinking of you” can mean a lot.

Let her know about the Child Death Helpline (0800 282986). It’s open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am-1pm; Wednesday from 10am-4pm; and every evening from 7pm-10pm. Visit www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk.

Jane Collins is the chief executive and honorary consultant paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital

OVER TO YOU

E-mail Dr Jane Collins at drjane@thetimes.co.uk or write to her at Body&Soul, The Times, 1 Pennington Street, E98 ITT. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Dr Collins cannot enter into individual correspondence.