To test your breath, you can lick your wrist and smell it; if necessary, tongue cleaning is recommended to eliminate odors of lingual origin, although it does not replace a visit to a specialist.

noli's read

The famous licked-wrist test is a popular method of self-assessment, but its effectiveness is scientifically debated. An observational study published in the Journal of Periodontology highlights that self-assessment of breath is often unreliable due to olfactory habituation, as our brain becomes accustomed to our own odor. In contrast, the utility of tongue cleaning is widely validated by research for restoring freshness. A systematic review from the Cochrane Database (by Outhouse et al.) confirms that tongue cleaning (tongue scraper or brush) effectively reduces odor-causing compounds produced by bacteria in the short term. Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology shows that dedicated tools like tongue scrapers are slightly more effective than a standard toothbrush for removing lingual coating. Expert opinion therefore remains aligned with the creator: cleaning your tongue helps, but a comprehensive check-up with a professional remains the key to identifying the exact cause.

the sources

No named source held this one up — that absence is part of the verdict.