Your tongue is covered in hundreds of tiny papillae, which are the finger-like projections that give your tongue its rough texture. Interestingly, these papillae form a pattern on your tongue that’s just as unique as your fingerprints. They also create a carpet-like surface on your tongue that easily harbors plaque, bacteria, food debris, and dead skin cells. This can lead to bad breath and a number of other oral health issues. In addition to scheduling routine visits with a dentist to make sure your tongue stays healthy, there are some easy ways to keep it clean and improve your overall health in the process. Learn more below!

It’s easy to have mixed feelings about traveling for the holidays. On one hand, you get to see friends and family, enjoy a break from the daily routine, and indulge in plenty of delicious food. On the other, you have to deal with winter weather and crowded airports! But another thing that can quickly put a damper on your holidays is dealing with a dental emergency away from home. You can always see an emergency dentist for care, but it’s a lot easier to simply prevent dental problems altogether. Keep reading below for 5 easy tips anyone can use to keep their smile healthy over the holidays.