Bad Breath or Halitosis Bad breath or halitosis, is not fun. And it's even worse for whomever you're talking to. Truth is half of us deal with it at some point, and that's men and women. No gender bias here. So where does it come from? It's all about bacteria. Our mouths are a perfect environment for these little critters. Thankfully, there's plenty you can do. Here are five ways to fight bad breath. The first natural barrier to halitosis is saliva. Without it, you get dry mouth. And dry mouth is a perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that cause bad breath. The solution? Water, water, and more water. The more hydrated you are, the better. Next up, pop a mint. Right? No. Sugary mints, when mixed with bacteria, create a perfect storm of pee-ew. Instead, try sugar-free mints, mouth sprays, and sugar-free gum as a quick fix. It won't get rid of the problem, but at least your friends will thank you. Number three on the list, green tea, which is great for your breath and your health. Antimicrobials in green tea work like a deodorant. It's a natural disinfectant that can minimize those nasty sulfur compounds that cause bad breath. Number four, tongue scraper. No it's not a derogatory term. It's a key foe of your festering breath. Scrapers are almost 7% more effective on tongues than toothbrushes. And that 7% might be all it takes to go from bleh to bliss. The number one biggest cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once daily to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gumline.