If the base of your tooth is black, or you have a dark color anywhere on your teeth, it could be a sign of underlying dental disease. Or it could be because of medication like liquid iron supplements.

A professional dental clean can remove plaque and tartar from teeth. However, remedies such as brushing thoroughly and flossing daily may prevent tartar buildup and help with plaque removal at home.

Editor’s note: Jocelyn Solis-Moreira is a New York-based freelance health and science journalist. If you can’t seem to get the taste of onion, garlic or cheese out your mouth after brushing, you might ...

If you can’t seem to get the taste of onion, garlic or cheese out your mouth after brushing, you might benefit from a tongue scraper. As one of the most flexible muscles in the body, the tongue has ...