No one else in the world has the same exact eye color as you. Even identical twins can have subtle, but still visible, eye color differences.1 If you’re wondering how your unique eye color came to be, there are a few different factors involved.
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A bright, white smile is a boost of self-confidence for most people. But over time, factors like aging, lifestyle habits, and even your diet can contribute to teeth discoloration.
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A shocking 72 million adults in the United States don’t have dental insurance, according to a recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute. With roughly half of Americans receiving dental benefits from their employers, that leaves a growing segment of non-traditional freelance, contract, and self-employed workers to search for their own coverage.
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You wouldn’t let your child travel in a car without wearing a seatbelt, or ride a bike without a helmet. And you probably wouldn’t let little ones go swimming without a lifejacket. Yet, many children are not using mouthguards when playing sports, increasing the risk of damage to their teeth and facial structures.
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Preventive care plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health. Rather than waiting to treat problems after they arise, many dental treatments are designed to stop issues before they start.
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Have you ever experienced bad breath?
Bad breath can be embarrassing, but it’s a common issue that affects many people. It can have various causes. Some can be managed with simple at-home care, while others may need professional treatment from a dentist or doctor.
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*Updated June 2026
Do you plan on going camping this summer?
Camping is a great way to connect with nature and spend meaningful time with family and friends. However, keeping a good oral health routine while enjoying the wilderness isn’t always easy.
The good news? It can be done!
With a little planning, tooth-friendly meals, and mindful eating and drinking, you can keep your mouth happy while experiencing the great outdoors.
When planning your camping grocery list, consider choosing foods that support both your oral and overall health.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
Water is one of the most essential items to pack for any camping trip. According to the National Park Service, each person should have at least two liters of drinking water per day, plus extra for cooking, cleaning, and washing. Staying hydrated is key, especially when spending time outdoors.
Water is also a tooth-friendly alternative to sugary drinks like soda and juice. When packing your bags, be sure to fill up a water bottle with fluoridated tap water. According to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, “The fluoride in our water has passively protected the oral health of Americans for decades by reducing cavities, tooth decay, and dental health disparities.”
Learn more about the benefits of water to your oral health.
Alcohol consumption and camping often tend to go together, but your mouth will thank you if drinking is done in moderation or skipped all together.
Alcohol can negatively impact your oral health in several ways. It can cause dry mouth, increase the risk of gum disease, and expose teeth to sugars and acids that weaken enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. Over time, this can raise the risk of cavities.
Regular alcohol use has also been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer.
Although it’s important to eat red meat in moderation, including red meat in a couple of meals may help your oral health!
According to an article published in Frontiers, “Red meat is a nutrient-dense food that provides highly bioavailable protein and several essential micronutrients often lacking in the diet, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.”
Iron, a mineral responsible for red blood cell production, is particularly important. Low iron levels can lead to anemia, a condition that may increase the risk of developing oral health problems like periodontal disease.
Additionally, red meat serves as a valuable source of vitamin B12. Individuals lacking in vitamin B12 may experience symptoms such as mouth and tongue soreness, among others.
Nuts make for a convenient and nutritious snack option every day, and that’s even more true when camping.
Many nuts and seeds contain vitamins and minerals that can help strengthen and protect teeth. Cashews, for instance, serve as an excellent source of phosphorus, a mineral crucial for teeth and bone health. Like calcium, phosphorus helps build strong teeth and bone structures.
Additionally, peanuts and almonds are rich in calcium, while the latter also has vitamin E, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can also reduce the impact of periodontitis.
Be sure to pack some fruits and veggies on your next camping adventure. Fruits and vegetables support a healthy smile by increasing saliva flow, cleaning teeth naturally, and balancing sugars with water and fiber.
They also provide key nutrients like vitamin C for gum health and vitamin A for healthy mouth tissues.
Maintaining your oral hygiene while camping can be a challenge, especially with limited access to running water or clean storage for your dental products. But even in the great outdoors, keeping your teeth and mouth clean each day is essential for your oral health.
Consider these camping-friendly oral health products:
Have you heard of toothpaste dots?
A staple of backpackers, they make brushing your teeth while camping easy by eliminating the need to bring a tube of toothpaste. Toothpaste dots are lightweight and ideal for long camping trips. Just be sure to use a toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association.
Click here for a step-by-step process to make your own toothpaste dots.
Keep your regular toothbrush at home and opt for one that can survive time spent in the wild. Remember, toothbrushes should be stored in an upright position, where they can air dry, even when camping.
We also recommend bringing a toothbrush case to keep the bristles free from dirt and debris. Over time, germs and bacteria build up on toothbrushes. Because of this, it’s important to clean your toothbrush after every camping trip and to replace it every three to four months.
Flossing is especially important while camping because it helps remove food particles and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Keeping up with this habit can help maintain a healthy mouth, even while enjoying the outdoors.
Since traditional dental floss is not biodegradable, be sure to dispose of it properly or consider using eco-friendly floss alternatives that are gentler on the environment.
Don’t let outdoor living get in the way of a clean and healthy mouth. Packing proper oral health products, tooth-friendly foods, and following our oral health tips will help prioritize your oral health no matter where your adventures take you!
Looking for more oral health tips? Check out this blog: Oral health tips for those struggling with mental health challenges.
*Updated August 2026
Have you ever felt a little something in the back of your throat, a white spot, or maybe a sore throat that is relieved with some gargling? You may be dealing with tonsil stones!
Tonsil stones are a common condition that impacts around 40% of people. Although they are generally harmless, they can be annoying and lead to bad breath, coughing, and more.
The good news is that tonsil stones are almost always easily managed at home.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are calcified clumps that form when “food, bacteria, minerals such as calcium, and other debris, like dead cells and mucus” get trapped in the sponge-like pockets of your tonsils. These tonsil stones typically manifest as small white or yellow pebbles embedded in your tonsils.
Tonsil stones can vary in size but are often only a few millimeters, although one of the largest tonsil stones measured was 4.2 × 3.6 × 2.1 centimeters.
Perhaps the only convenient thing about tonsil stones is that most of the time, you’ll know you have them. This makes it easier to detect and treat early.
Often, people with tonsil stones feel a persistent sensation of something lodged in the back of the throat.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other symptoms may include bad breath, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, coughing fits, and earaches.
It’s important to let your dentist know if you’re experiencing any symptoms of tonsil stones so they can advise you on the best way to treat them and monitor for recurrence.
Getting rid of tonsil stones doesn’t typically require extensive treatment and can often be taken care of at home if symptoms are minimal. Gargling with warm salt water is recommended to try and loosen the stone initially and to help clear out any bacteria afterward.
If gargling doesn’t work, gently nudging the stones out with a wet cotton swab may help.
If that also doesn’t work, professional assistance may be necessary for the treatment and removal of tonsil stones.
Visit your dentist if:
Tonsil stones may be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but they’re rarely a cause for serious concern. Maintaining your oral hygiene by brushing regularly and staying hydrated can go a long way in preventing them from forming in the first place.
When in doubt, your dentist is your best resource for keeping your tonsils in great shape.