Simple Answers - What Causes Halitosis (Bad Breath)? "Oh My! I need to brush my teeth. My breath stinks!" How embarrassing! Everyone has had bad breath at least once in their life. However, some people don't realize that their breath stinks. Unfortunately, people within close contact usually don't like to mention to someone about their bad breath. It's an embarrassing issue! So knowing about a few simple things that can cause bad breath, or even the chronic "Halitosis", you'll be much better prepared to keep way from having such an embarrassing episode or confrontation of bad breath. Common Odor Agents Foods can be common odor causing agents. Garlic and onions and at the top of the food list. The potent odors not only stay on one's breath for hours, but the odors even flow through the blood after being digested, thus making it harder to get rid of - even if breath freshener or brushing is done. However, most people know that eating garlic and onions are not a good way of keeping friends close, so most often they can be avoided when heading into a social setting. Despite staying away from onions and or garlic, there are other causes for bad breath. Left over food particles in the mouth are also common grounds for bad breath. The food can rot in the mouth after getting stuck between teeth which could also harbor some types of bacteria which cause bad breath. Bad breath may also be persistent (chronic bad breath), which is a more serious condition. This can affect some 25% of the population in varying degrees. This condition is usually caused by the one's metabolic activity, or how your body breaks down certain types of oral bacteria. Checking with your doctor is the best way to find a solution to this condition. Gum and mouth diseases can also cause terrible bad breath. A dentist would be able to find the best solution to those issues. Small Solutions to Stop Bad Breath. Since there is no single reason for halitosis, it is best to consult a doctor to uncover the primary reason in each separate case. A regular dental check-up should uncover whether any aspect of oral health is responsible for lingering foul odors, while blood tests can establish systemic answers to the vexed question of what causes bad breath. Halitosis could be a result of a potentially serious condition, so medical evaluation of the problem is always a good idea. However, you need not wait until you get a dental or a doctor's appointment, to take action on learning that there is a bad smell in your mouth, for there are effective steps that you can safely take on your own. General oral hygiene should be sufficient to treat bad breath if you are healthy. Stay away from tobacco and strong smelling foods. Keep a regular schedule of brushing your teeth and flossing as well. Sometimes that's all you'll need to do! Learn more (http://www.gotananswer.com/badbreath/causes-of-bad-breath.html) Causes of Bad Breath and (http://www.gotananswer.com/badbreath/How-to-Get-Rid-of-Bad-breath.html) How to Get Rid of Bad Breath RIGHT NOW!