After surgery to remove wisdom teeth – the last teeth that erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25 – you have to modify your diet and your behavior to accommodate the now empty spaces where the impacted teeth used to sit.

Gentian violet, a purple dye available over-the-counter, has anti-fungal qualities that make it useful in the treatment of yeast infections, notes the Gentian Research Network.

The top surface of the tongue is covered with small pink bumps called papillae. Sometimes these papillae become inflamed, producing white bumps called lie bumps. At other times, small white bumps on the tongue are caused by other conditions, such as canker sores or thrush.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that everyone experiences. There are a number of causes of dry mouth. Most produce a dry mouth during both the day and night, but the dryness is often most noticeable when waking up in the morning.

Usual guidelines after tooth extraction are to resume liquids and very soft foods shortly after surgery, then transition back to usual foods within a few days. However, for the first few weeks after surgery, certain hard, sticky or crunchy foods may be restricted to protect the healing site.

After having a tooth extracted, your surgeon will provide aftercare guidelines, so you know how to take care of yourself and reduce the risk of post-operative complications. These recommendations will include how to eat and drink in the days after your surgery.

If you have swelling of the gums, face or cheek related to tooth pain, you may have an infection and should see your dentist right away for assessment and treatment. To complement your dentist's treatment plan, there are also some home strategies that can ease your pain and swelling.

While you probably already know that sugary foods can contribute to tooth decay, there are a bunch of less obvious culprits that could be corroding your smile.

When a piece of popcorn gets stuck between your teeth or under your gums, you should gently but completely remove it as soon as possible.

To find out which states have the healthiest teeth and gums, experts at WalletHub compared 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 key indicators of dental wellness.

Avoiding certain foods and beverages after teeth whitening can improve prevent recurrent stains and minimize discomfort to sensitive areas of your mouth.

The best treatment to ease the gum swelling is specific to the cause, so talk to your orthodontist if you have swelling that persists more than a few days.