Dental instruments are high-tech, specialized and very effective, but they haven’t always been that way! Take a look at the sometimes-questionable tools of the past:

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:

Any carbonated drink gets its effervescence from carbon dioxide that turns into carbonic acid once ingested. In some carbonated drinks, this carbonic acid can wear away enamel, making teeth more susceptible to cavities. Trading soft drinks for fizzy water can be a good choice, however, because sparkling water is typically far less acidic.

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.

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?

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.