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Bristle Health Overview
- Test measures: Complete oral microbiome (700+ bacteria, viruses, and fungi)
- Test costs: $149
- Provides scores for: Chronic bad breath, inflamed gums, oral thrush, gum recession, and more
- Brand offers: 1:1 health coaching, custom products, diet and hygiene plans
Did you know that there are 700 or more types of microorganisms that call your mouth home? You might not love the sound of that, but the truth is that these invisible little microbes help keep your mouth healthy and clean. That is, unless they get out of balance–then they can cause all sorts of trouble, like cavities, gingivitis, and a serious gum infection called periodontitis. Not only that, but these oral health conditions or issues can also impact your overall health and are associated with long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
The Bristle Oral Health Test gives you a comprehensive look at your entire oral microbiome, helping you better understand not only your oral health, but also its connection to other health conditions. With a simple saliva sample, this oral microbiome test can tell you your mouth’s levels of more than 100 types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In addition, Bristle will tell you what those levels mean, which oral health problems might be brewing beneath the surface, and what you can do about them.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of trying Bristle’s oral microbiome test, as well as our own personal experience trying it first-hand. We’ll also discuss Bristle alternatives with the goal of helping you decide whether this or a different oral microbiome test may work best for your needs and budget.
Bristle is one of very few brands that offers a more affordable oral microbiome test that doesn’t need to be ordered through your provider and ships for free. In addition, they offer comprehensive results, as well as one-on-one coaching with a certified oral hygiene coach who can provide a customized oral hygiene and diet plan to promote better oral health, an important benefit that other telehealth brands are lacking. While getting tested through your provider may be less expensive, Bristle offers convenience and better accessibility for those who prefer to test at home.
Bristle Health Pros & Cons
Pros
– May help in early detection of oral health issues, including inflamed gums, oral thrush, gum recession, and more
– Provides personalized oral hygiene plan, including product and lifestyle recommendations
– Offers one-on-one coaching from a certified oral hygiene coach
– More affordable than other telehealth brands offering similar products
Cons
– Doesn’t test for as many health concerns as other oral microbiome tests
– Not a substitute for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings
What Is the Bristle Test for Bacteria?
The Bristle Oral Health Test is a kit delivered to your home that helps you test for a variety of dental health issues. Bristle’s kit measures your entire oral microbiome and tells you the levels of each microbe, good or bad, so you can promote health-boosting microorganisms while fighting the ones that can cause problems.
Worried you won’t be able to make heads or tails of your results? Bristle makes it easy with oral health coaches that provide actionable suggestions and help you track your microbiome levels over time.
Your oral microbiome is made up of thousands of invisible little citizens of your own personal tooth city. Some members of your oral microbiome help keep your mouth healthy, break down food, and fight off infection. Less helpful species can make dental problems, like cavities and gingivitis, more likely.
My Experience With Bristle
We found Bristle’s checkout process to be a breeze, with only a few clicks standing between us and our new test kit. The kit itself is simple to use, requiring only a saliva sample. Once our results were ready, Bristle’s app made the next steps clear and easy to follow.
Members of our team who used the test kit reported:
- It was easy to give a sample
- Results came within two weeks
- That they felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information that came back in the report
- That the free coaching was helpful, especially for better managing harmful bacteria and understanding how to boost good bacteria
- That some will definitely use the test kit again, while others found just the single-use helpful enough
How Much Does the Oral Microbiome Test Cost?
A single test is $149, but you can save $20 per test by subscribing to biannual shipments. You can also opt in to their 3 month Reset Program, which includes 2 tests, 2 coaching sessions, and ongoing support for $329.
How Do You Test for Oral Microbiome?
Bristle’s test uses shotgun metagenomics, a type of genetic sequencing that allows for a comprehensive result using a single sample. If you go with Bristle’s kit, you’ll receive your test three to five days after placing your order. Then all you need to do is provide a saliva sample to mail back to Bristle. You’ll get your results within two weeks.
Benefits: Does Bristle Health Work?
According to the company, Bristle has developed the world’s first comprehensive oral microbiome test. But of course, the test’s readings on your mouth’s community of microorganisms is only helpful if you know what to do with that information.
Bristle translates your personal bacteria levels into a simple 1-10 score telling you your current likelihood of facing these oral health issues:
- Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by volatile sulfur compounds in your mouth produced by certain bacteria
- Inflamed gums, or gingivitis, affects almost half of US adults and can be a prelude to more serious gum issues
- Oral thrush is a fungal infection in your mouth that can cause white lesions on the tongue
- Burning mouth syndrome is exactly what it sounds like–consistent, unexplained pain, burning, or tingling in the mouth
- Gum recession is the painful deterioration of the gumline, which can lead to severe gum disease, or periodontitis
- Weird tastes, such as a metallic flavor in the mouth, can be an early sign of a microbiome imbalance
May Identify the Root Causes of Oral Health Conditions
When it comes to oral health, it can be tough to tell where the problem is coming from. Bristle’s test demystifies your oral health concerns by identifying specific bacteria that can cause problems (like Candida albicans, the cause of thrush, or Porphynomonas gingivalis, a source of bad breath) and helping you reduce their levels over time.
May Help Decrease Risk of Certain Conditions
Oral health is closely linked to an individual’s overall health, oftentimes with a bidirectional relationship. Certain health conditions can increase the risk of poor oral hygiene and poor oral hygiene is associated with and can share risk factors with certain conditions, such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and respiratory conditions.
Better understanding your oral health can help you understand and take action regarding your general health and wellness.
Proactive Measures for Early Detection and Maintenance of Oral Health
Bristle doesn’t stop at letting you know which bacteria could lead to future problems. They take things a step further by providing actionable, concrete suggestions that may help prevent future dental issues.
Related reading: What’s the Best Electric Toothbrush Subscription?
Why We Recommend the Bristle Oral Health Test
Bristle’s oral health test kit is a convenient and trustworthy way to get some clear insights into the health of your mouth. Their tests are backed by leading dental professionals, and their results are analyzed in a clinical laboratory improvement amendments (CLIA) certified lab. Not only that, but Bristle’s support goes beyond the test to make sure you know how to act on the information you’re given.
Personalized Care
Based on the results of your test, Bristle provides personalized suggestions to help you curb harmful bacteria before they can cause problems, and boost good bacteria to help prevent new issues from popping up.
1:1 Oral Health Coaching
As anyone who has ever tried flossing twice a day can tell you, taking proper care of your teeth is much easier said than done. That’s why Bristle assigns you an oral health coach to help talk you through your results and work through any challenges you run into along the way.
Convenient Subscription
The best way to know whether or not your changes are working is to test your levels again and make sure they’re moving in the right direction. Bristle offers a discount if you subscribe to get a new test every six months, which makes tracking your oral health over time more affordable and convenient.
Bristle Health Alternatives: How Does it Compare?
Wondering how Bristle Health stacks up against other oral health test providers like Viome and OralDNA? We’ve got all that information covered right here so it’s easier for you to compare.
Bristle vs. Viome vs. OralDNA | Bristle Health | Viome | OralDNA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149/test | $299/test | Free test kit Can only be recevied from your provider |
| Sample type | Saliva | Stool, blood, saliva | Oral rinse |
| Results timeframe | 2 to 3 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | Not noted |
| What it tests | Oral microbiome: 100 to 200 species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses | Oral microbiome Gut microbiome Cellular function | Early warning of oral pathogens Genetic risk for periodontal disease Bacterial risk for development of cavities Risk for HPV related oral cancers Gene markers related to inflammatory responses Infections caused by yeast and candida HSV-1 & HSV-2 detection |
| Microbiome testing type | Metagenomics | Metatranscriptomics | DNA-PCR |
| Integrative & personalized care | Product recommendations Hygiene Diet plan Oral care tips Supplements recommendations Probiotics recommendations | Food, supplement, and probiotic/prebiotic recommendations | Depends on your provider |
| Access to oral health coach? | ✅ | ❌ | 🟡 Depends on your provider |
| FSA/HSA eligible? | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Depends on your provider |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | 🟡 Depends on your provider |
| Website |
Bristle vs. Viome
Viome is another test kit provider that costs quite a bit more than Bristle Health, and, in exchange, tests more than just your oral microbiome. If you provide Viome with stool and blood samples, you’ll get information about your gut microbiome as well as your cellular function. Based on those unique biometrics, the company recommends specific foods or supplements to incorporate into your diet. But unlike with Bristle, you won’t have a coach to help you implement those suggestions.
Related reading: Viome vs. Ombre: What’s the Best At-Home Gut Health Test?
Bristle vs. OralDNA
OralDNA has one big thing going for it– you can get a free test kit. But, it does come with a catch, as you can only get it from your doctor. Given an oral rinse sample, OralDNA can tell you plenty of crucial information, including your risk of developing periodontal disease, cavities, and even oral cancers. Unlike with Bristle Health, it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what to do with all of that data because OralDNA won’t provide custom suggestions or a personal coach.
Bristle Reviews from Other Customers
In general, customers find Bristle Health’s comprehensive test and actionable info to be very helpful. They praise the company’s easy-to-use test and personal coaching. On the other hand, others warned that the wait time for results can fluctuate, especially around the holiday season.
The Verdict: Is Bristle Worth It?
Bristle is an excellent option for those who want to learn more about the root causes of their oral health concerns, without having to pay for multiple trips to the dentist.
Bristle won’t tell you everything you could get from a stool or blood test, but there’s no easier way to get a close-up look at the microbiome in your mouth than Bristle’s test, which just requires a saliva sample. That, and the 1:1 coaching makes Bristle’s test the best option for people looking to improve their oral health in particular, especially if you’re hoping to help manage and better understand issues like bad breath or gum pain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the oral flora test?
“Flora” is a scientific term referring to the bacterial or fungal life that thrives in a particular area. That means “oral flora” is just another term for your mouth’s microbiome. So, an oral flora test is a test that measures the levels of bacteria in your mouth, like the Bristle Health microbiome test.
Why is the oral microbiome important?
Your oral microbiome is an important indicator of not just the health of your mouth, but also your overall health. Since your mouth literally leads to the rest of your body, bad bacteria bred in the oral microbiome can travel to other places to cause trouble, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and even cognitive concerns.
What are the signs of poor oral hygiene?
While cavities, decaying teeth, and receding gums can all be clear signs that something’s off with your oral health, the unfortunate truth is that many indicators of poor oral hygiene are easy to overlook. That’s because these changes take place at the microbial level long before you (or your dentist) can see the damage for yourself.
What is the microbiome test for bad breath?
The Bristle Oral Health Test is one of many options for testing your oral microbiome to determine the root causes of bad breath. It also tests for plenty of other oral health concerns, like gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Is mouthwash bad for the oral microbiome?
Alcohol-based mouthwash kills bacteria indiscriminately, which means it can make things worse for you by getting rid of good bacteria. But, in cases where bad bacteria has run amok, it can be worth it to clean house with some mouthwash and then try to promote good bacteria growth later. Speak with your dentist if you’re unsure about using mouthwash.
Methodology
We conducted extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and customer support of Bristle Health, which also included examining other similar brands, like Viome and OralDNA. To determine overall value, we evaluated cost, usability, subscription options, and more.
Other factors we investigated prior to choosing the best test kit included convenience, discounts, customer service, access to healthcare providers, health insurance, and any free services or resources offered. For the most useful and affordable test kit, Bristle Health stood out for its comprehensive oral testing for people dealing with oral health concerns.
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase online | – ease to complete intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – sustainable packaging | 1 |
| Testing + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of use – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – ease of forming a health habit – requires additional purchae? – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |
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