This gadget will tell you if your breath stinks — and if you need to see a dentist

"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."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

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.

Sign up