Bad breath is quite a common problem although it is often ignored. Mostly it is a dental problem although sometimes the origins might be different, in which case the patient should see a physician or a specialist. The bad breath is often caused by the bacteria called Halitosis, which builds up when the food particles get stuck in the teeth or tongue after we have eaten. This remain of food, if not cleaned properly, will eventually rot and cause a foul smell released when we breathe. Certain types of food such as cheese, garlic or orange juice tend to aggravate the problem even further. Although usually bad breath does not lead to any serious complications, in some cases it can lead to tooth decay or gingivitis. It is therefore recommended that the mouth and the tongue are thoroughly cleaned in order to stop the Halitosis bacteria from growing. It is advisable to brush, floss and clean the teeth and tongue after every meal (or minimum twice a day). Drinking plenty of water also helps fight the bad breath as it prevents mouth from going dry. It is also important to have regular dental check-ups where the state of the teeth and gums can be checked. Generally, the maintenance of good oral hygiene combined with a clean and healthy lifestyle and eating habits are essential to the prevention of bad breath.