Few things are as off-putting as having bad breath. We inwardly cringe or turn away when a friend or co-worker has stinky breath, and identifying an unpleasant odor coming out of one's own mouth ...

Bad breath that doesn't go away is a sign that something else may be going on with your health. Getty Images/iStockphoto So you’ve downed a whole pack of tic tacs but still have bad breath?

In most cases, bad breath comes from the gums and tongue. Some bacteria in your mouth may produce compounds that result in an odor. But most bad breath is the result of poor oral hygiene.