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.

While April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, every month is a chance to help prevent oral cancer from growing. Oral cancer is known as a lifestyle disease, which means you can dramatically reduce your risk by adjusting your daily habits.

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.

Vaporizing, or “vaping” tobacco products, have become a hot trend in the last 15 years, especially among young people. In fact, 16 percent of high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2015, compared to just 1.5 percent in 2011. Many people believe that vaping is safer than smoking conventional cigarettes, but it’s important to understand that e-liquids usually contain nicotine and other chemicals that affect the mouth and body – no matter the delivery route.

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?

This April, during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, North Memorial Health and Delta Dental of Minnesota partnered to convene over 100 healthcare providers to discuss prevention, diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).