Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential in preventing halitosis. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily helps remove food particles and bacteria from the mouth. It is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to effectively clean your teeth and gums.
Some people are born with a poor sense of smell or taste. Upper respiratory infections are blamed for some losses, and injury to the head can also cause smell or taste problems.

The first stop when you have halitosis is usually your dentist. If your dentist determines you have a healthy mouth, you will likely be referred to a physician to look for an underlying health problem. If you have periodontal disease, you may see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease and dental implants. If you have braces, it's like your bad breath is caused by food getting stuck in them. You may see your orthodontist for an adjustment. Bad breath in babies or young children may be a sign of infection or undiagnosed medical problems. Consult a child's pediatrician or dentist if an infant or young child has bad breath.
Because more than ninety percent of bad breath originates in the mouth, your dentist is your first line of defense. In many cases, bad breath is simply a symptom of a bigger problem. Seeing your dentist first is important to rule out dangerous dental infections as the cause of the unpleasant odor.