With Thanksgiving around the corner, lots of delicious food will come with it! With all that chomping and chewing, it’s very important to protect your dental health. Today, you have well-made toothbrushes and floss to take care of all that. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to brush your teeth after the first Thanksgiving ever? Continue reading to see how pilgrims and Native Americans cared for their teeth and kept their smiles healthy!
How Did Pilgrims Take Care of Their Teeth?
When the Pilgrims arrived in America in the early 1600s, they didn’t have modern dental tools or techniques. In fact, toothbrushes and toothpaste weren’t invented yet! Instead, Pilgrims often used cloths or rags to wipe their teeth clean. They also sometimes chewed on herbs like mint or parsley to freshen their breath, but regular dental hygiene wasn’t something they worried about.
Without much knowledge of cavities or gum disease, the Pilgrims didn’t pay special attention to their teeth. Because sugar wasn’t as common in their diets as it is today, they may have had fewer cavities than we might expect. Still, without consistent cleaning, many Pilgrims likely had toothaches, gum problems, or even tooth loss!
How Did Native Americans Care for Their Dental Health?
Native American communities took a different approach to oral hygiene. Many tribes valued nature-based methods, using twigs from certain trees, like willow or birch, to clean their teeth.
These “chewing sticks” worked kind of like toothbrushes by rubbing away food particles and helping keep teeth clean. Willow and birch trees also have natural germ-fighting properties, so chewing on these sticks may have helped prevent some tooth problems.
Native Americans also used herbs for fresh breath and mouth health. Some chewed on plants like sage or mint to clean their teeth and freshen their breath, much like mouthwash does today! Their diets, which included lots of vegetables, lean meats, and fewer processed sugars, also helped keep their dental health in check.
While you have lots of tools now, let these two groups remind you that oral hygiene and a balanced diet are especially important. So, this Thanksgiving, be grateful for your toothbrush and the knowledge your dentist has to help keep your smile bright and healthy!
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Nelson Hui and Dr. Adam Preece are your caring and compassionate dental team. They’re both board-certified pediatric dentists who love helping their patients learn about their teeth and how to take care of them. If your child needs a checkup before turkey day officially arrives, call (972) 364-7472 to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, you can visit our website to learn more about us and the services we offer.