To put it mildly, bad breath is embarrassing. Most people’s solution for poor oral hygiene is to chew on some gum or eat a few mints. However, these are temporary fixes that will only cover up the odor coming from your mouth. For fresh breath that lasts a lifetime as opposed to 15 minutes, you have to go right to the source.

So how do we avoid halitosis altogether? Drink water regularly, brush and floss after every meal, clean your tongue, and eat breath-friendly foods. If all that doesn’t work, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Bad breath can be the result of a medical disorder that requires treatment.

Contrary to popular belief, halitosis is a very common condition that almost everyone suffers from at some point in their lives. According to the American Dental Association, halitosis, or bad breath, can be the result of certain food we eat, gum disease, dry mouth, smoking and using other tobacco products, and certain medical conditions.