Two minutes, twice a day. That’s the basics of what we learn about brushing our teeth. And these are important messages – they are the fundamentals of what keep bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay at bay. But many people make common mistakes while brushing which can harm that effort:

With springtime (finally) blooming, gardeners are rustling through their toolsheds and breaking out their shovels. Among the cornucopia of possibilities to plant, fresh vegetables stand out as some of the best options for harvesting a healthy smile.

Among other things, Minnesotans are known for pride in their home state – and it’s no wonder, given the amount of “best in the country” lists that Minnesota often finds itself at the top of. Recently, residents got another reason to grin – as Minnesota was ranked No. 1 in the country for overall dental health.

The trees are blooming and their roots are growing. But what happens if the roots of your teeth aren’t doing so well? Learn how your dental benefits work when you’re referred to an endodontist for a root canal or when you need to see another dental specialist.

As we grow, our oral health needs continue to evolve. Cultivate strong teeth by planting the seeds for good oral health early and knowing what to watch for at different life stages.

There’s just something about digging in the dirt and planting a tiny seed that rows and bears food that is magical to me. Gardening also requires daily maintenance and care, which is why it’s the perfect metaphor for dental hygiene and oral health.

While you’re keeping your mouth healthy, why not take some steps to help keep the Earth healthy too?

We’ve touched on the origins – and, thankfully, evolution – of the toothbrush, but have you ever wondered about the history of toothpaste? Unsurprisingly, the Egyptians – who also used urine to whiten teeth – were among the first to develop a form of toothpaste. In 5000 BC, pumice, burnt eggshells and powdered oxhooves all were a part of this teeth “cleaning” formula.

Dental insurance can be confusing – and so can dental care. If you’ve had a complicated dental issue worked on, you might have been faced with a load of jargon, and names of dental professionals you didn’t know existed.