Sweeney Sweetbreath Helps Hampton Halitosis

National Fresh Breath Day

Reading Comprehension for August 6

Sweeney Sweetbreath brushed, flossed, and rinsed his mouth with mouthwash. Hampton Halitosis did not have time for that stuff. He used a fingernail to scratch the plaque off one of his teeth.


Sweeney worried about his friend. Hampton was sure to get cavities and gum disease if he didn't start taking care of his teeth! When he spoke, his bad breath made people back away. Sweeney didn't back away, but he did hold his breath. The fumes coming from Hampton's mouth were ferocious!


One day Hampton went to Sweeney's house. He was lugging a big suitcase with him. He was there to spend the night!


Sweeney offered to help Hampton unpack. Hampton had brought his pajamas and a change of clothes. The rest of the space in his suitcase was filled with toys and games!


"Where is your toothbrush?" Sweeney asked. "I'll put it in the bathroom."


"Oops," Hampton said. "It looks like I forgot to pack one." He started playing a handheld game.


"No toothbrush?" Sweeney repeated. "No problem! We keep new ones in the cabinet. I'll get one for you." He walked towards the door.


"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. Whatever," Hampton replied absently. His thumbs were getting a workout on his game.


A short time later, Mrs. Sweetbreath called the boys to the kitchen for a snack. Sweeney and Hampton raced to the kitchen. A plate of celery, carrots, and apple slices waited for them.


Hampton stopped short. "Is that our snack?" he asked in disbelief. "You're kidding, right?"


Sweeney crunched into a celery stick. "Why? What did you expect?"


"Cookies, brownies, muffins...you know, something sweet!" Hampton reached for an apple slice.


"I like sweets," Sweeney said, "but too many can be bad for your health. These snacks are healthy, and they are good for your teeth, too. Look, I'm a rabbit!" He nibbled on a carrot stick and wiggled his eyebrows, making Hampton laugh.


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