As a dentist who struggled with bad breath myself, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to accurately test whether your breath is fresh. In fact, I didn’t realize I had developed bad breath until my wife told me, and I didn’t know I had finally solved it until she confirmed it – after 15 years of trying! That’s why I want to share the most effective methods for testing your breath, especially if you’re using the Pristine system.
Testing Your Pristine Results
The most reliable way to know if Pristine is working for you is to have someone else check your breath. I know this might feel awkward, but remember – you’re actively addressing the issue, which is something to be proud of. Many of my patients report that once they start seeing results with Pristine, they feel more confident asking a partner or family member for honest feedback.
Look for these positive signs:
- Morning breath becoming less noticeable
- A cleaner feeling in the back of your throat
- Decreased self-consciousness in close conversations
- Positive feedback from those close to you
The Partner Testing Method
If you’re ready to get accurate feedback, here’s the exact testing protocol I recommend to my patients:
- Keep your mouth closed while breathing normally for 2 minutes
- Inhale deeply through your nose and hold your breath for 15 seconds
- Open your mouth widely and gently exhale from deep in the throat
- Have your helper position their nose about 6 inches from your mouth
When asking someone to help test your breath, be direct but casual. You might say something like, “I’m working on improving my oral health with a new system, and I’d really appreciate your honest feedback about my breath.” I’ve found that most people are willing to help when approached this way.
Understanding Why Self-Testing Is Challenging
Here’s something fascinating I’ve learned in my years of research: our brains are wired to tune out constant stimuli, including our own breath odor. Scientists call this phenomenon “habituation” or being “nose blind.” Think about walking into a room with a strong smell – after a few minutes, you barely notice it anymore. The same thing happens with our breath.
This is why even my most diligent patients can’t rely solely on their own assessment. Our sense of smell literally adapts to ignore consistent odors, making it nearly impossible to accurately judge our own breath.
Alternative Testing Methods
While partner testing is ideal, I understand that it’s not always practical. Here are some self-testing methods I recommend to my patients:
The Spoon Test This is your best solo option. Take a clean spoon and gently scrape the very far back of your tongue. Smell the residue immediately. This gives you the most accurate self-assessment possible, though remember that habituation can still affect your perception.
Other Methods Include:
- The wrist test: Lick your inner wrist, wait 10 seconds for it to dry, then smell
- The cup test: Breathe into a cup with your mouth very close to it, then smell immediately
- Cotton swab method: Dab the back of your tongue with a clean cotton swab and smell it
While these methods can give you some indication, they’re not as reliable as partner testing.
Professional Assessment
Sometimes, professional evaluation is warranted, especially if you’re concerned about underlying health issues. In my practice, I use several methods to assess breath quality:
- Visual examination of the tongue and throat
- Specialized gas detection equipment
- Bacterial culture analysis when necessary
These assessments can provide baseline measurements and help track improvement over time.
Practical Tips for Ongoing Testing
Based on my experience with thousands of patients, here are my top recommendations for breath testing:
- Test at consistent times of day, preferably before using Pristine and several hours after
- Avoid testing right after eating strongly flavored foods
- When using partner testing, maintain the same distance and technique each time
- Remember that morning breath is normal – test later in the day for the most accurate results
Remember, addressing breath concerns is a process, and testing is an essential part of that journey. Just as I needed my wife’s honest feedback to know I had finally solved my own breath issues, having reliable testing methods will help you track your progress with confidence.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about testing your breath or using the Pristine system. After all, I’ve been exactly where you are, and I’m here to help you achieve the same fresh-breath success I’ve found.