There is a silent monster that causes significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety...

It affects an estimated 25 percent of people and 1 in 4 persons globally...

Also known as halitosis, bad breath has a number of possible causes, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene

Potential causes of bad breath include:

Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor, they also increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath

Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath

Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odors can build up

Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor.

Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma

Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath,  Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes, small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis

Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children

Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce

Oral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include:

Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal

Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth

Clean dentures: Anything that goes into your mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth

Changing toothbrush every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons

Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful

Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva

Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue

If breath odor persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests to rule out other conditions