Halitosis, or most commonly bad breath is described as a noticeably unpleasant odors exhaled in breathing whether the smell is from an oral source or not. While brushing is the basic thing to do to avoid halitosis, obviously it can not totally remove plaque that builds up on the teeth especially on the tongue. It's a mixture of active bacteria and a chemical cocktail of odor-causing residues that they produce. The tongue's shape and surface are ideal for happily hiding these bacteria. Certain foods (foods and drinks, such as garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice, and soda), health conditions and habits (poor dental hygiene, smoking and other tobacco use) are among the causes of bad breath. Bad breath caused by dental problems can be prevented easily with proper home and professional care. This includes: (1) Brushing your teeth, tongue and gums after meals, (2) Flossing daily, (3) Rinsing with a mouthwash, (4) Visit your dentist regularly and have your teeth professionally cleaned as required.