Bad breath

So I've noticed bad breath is more of a hereditary thing than a hygienic one. People don't complain about my breath, but when I wake up in the morning, I can almost feel my breath, if y'all know what I mean. What can I do to prevent bad breath? Short-term advice helps, but I'm looking more for long-term. I would like to think that I have good hygiene, but sometimes it isn't enough to prevent bad breath.

I brush twice a day, use mouthwash, and scrape my tongue. What else can I do? Floss? Change my diet?

Do you sleep with your mouth open? Flossing will definitely help, twice/day is good but start off with once/day for a few weeks until your gums adapt to the stress. Also, when you brush your teeth how long does it take and do you brush your gums as well as your teeth? How many times per day? Do you drink coffee?

Try the tips given below, which can give an everlasting relief from Bad Breath :
1) Drinking plenty of water
2) Maintain oral hygiene and cleanliness
3) Avoid using commercial mouthwashes

I've spoken to a few dentists who have said not to use mouth wash more than once/week as there's no evidence that it helps and a some evidence that it might cause problems. I've cut down from using it 1-2x/day to 1x/week and haven't noticed any negative effects.

Well, just for the record, I didn't use it to cover instead of brushing. Deodorant also is preventative, not a cover :-P BUT, I use Listerine as, what I thought was, preventative maintenance. Now I dunno whether to use it or not. I also gargle with it to kill any germs in my throat lol.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not putting down mouthwash or cologne or deodorant. I use those things too. What I mean is those should never be used primarily or as the sole method to prevent foul odors. Mouthwash is just a good way to rinse your mouth after you have thoroughly brushed and flossed which is the main way to get rid of bad breath.

How big of a guy are you? Could be acid reflux.

last month people kept complaining my breath very smelly, was also at a lost but just can't bother ; later chance upon colgate total ( gel ) as a sample & tried for a few days, my condition seemed to improve & later stop using it , now my breath still ok - very happy ( not advertising )