What Is Halitosis? Occasional Bad Breath or a Chronic Problem? We've all been there: You've eaten some garlic bread or you have a dry mouth, and you realize that your breath isn't as fresh as it should be. But there's a big difference between the occasional bad breath that everyone experiences and the misfortune of having chronic bad breath. Equipping purses and lunchboxes with mouthwash doesn't easily resolve chronic bad breath, also know as halitosis. So, what is halitosis and how can you and your family deal with it? Here are a few tips. What Causes Halitosis? Halitosis has a range of causes, some of which are pretty serious. Here are some of the most common offenders: Food particles. Foods such as garlic, onion and other strong-smelling meal ingredients can leave particles behind in your mouth and on your tongue, resulting in an unpleasant post-lunch odor. Luckily, it's easily treated and not a chronic cause of halitosis. Dry mou