Why does bad breath stay with us so long? whats the cure?

The other night, i had a bowl of pinto beans with onions at The Cracker Barrel Restaurant. i had forgotten that i had a doctors appointment the next morning. i woke up and my wife said my breath would kill a camel. i tried everything to disguise my breath, but nothing worked. is there a quick cure for bad breath? i love onions and garlic, but they do not love me.