This gadget will tell you if your breath stinks — and if you need to see a dentist
It'll cost you $100
"The human mouth is a disgusting place, capable of emitting awful smells," said Rachel Becker at The Verge. Trouble is, "smelling your own breath is anatomically challenging." But Mint, a smart mouthpiece built by a Silicon Valley–based startup called Breathometer, will do it for you, sniffing your mouth for signs of bad oral health. Users bite down on the Mint mouthpiece for 30 seconds, while it sucks in a bit of air for analysis.
The device uses electrochemical sensors to check for sulfur-containing molecules, which are associated with periodontal disease, a serious condition that can destroy bone and gum tissue and eventually lead to lost teeth. Mint, which sells for $100, connects to an app that helps users track their oral hygiene and assigns grades for oral health: An 'A' means all is well. "An 'F' means make an appointment with your dentist. Like, now."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Best staycation destinations in Wales
The Week recommends Rich in Celtic culture, coastline and castles, England's neighbouring nation has much to offer visitors
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
The importance of discussing and dealing with debt
The Explainer Increasing numbers of people have 'problem debt' – but there are ways to tackle it
By Marc Shoffman, The Week UK Published
-
'Trump heavy on retribution, light on cash'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published