A breath tester and method for sampling the odor of an users saliva. The tester includes an elongated testing surface having a closed end and an open end to collect the saliva. The user collects and traps the saliva on the elongated testing surface and smells the surface to self determine the presence of halitosis. In one embodiment, the tester has a handle mounted to one end of the elongated testing surface. The breath tester can be disposed in a hollow housing. The sampling of the saliva can be allowed to dry upon the elongated testing surface before smelling.