As Thanksgiving nears and we’re all getting excited to enjoy turkey, stuffing, vegetables, our favorite pies, and perhaps even a nap or two, all of us at our Long Island pediatric dental office got to thinking, “Did Pilgrims or Native Americans have cavities?”
Thanksgiving was first shared between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims who came to America from England. These two groups joined at a table full of food to celebrate their cooperation and survival, and the tradition is still very much alive. However, one of these groups had more cavities and worse dental health than the other. Can you guess which one?
The Pilgrims
The Pilgrims had more cavities and gum disease than the Native Americans. With limited ways to brush their teeth (toothbrushes and toothpaste weren’t invented yet), and a not-so-healthy diet, the Pilgrims’ dental health was less than ideal.
During a time when there were no airplanes for trips across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pilgrims traveled by sea on a ship called The Mayflower. During the long trip, the Pilgrims had limited food choices. Mostly munching on food that would not go bad, the Pilgrims ate dried meats and fruits, beans, and a lot of hardtack, which is a dry biscuit that’s made of flour, water, and salt. Lack of access to fresh food, vegetables, and a balanced diet was not great for the Pilgrims’ smiles.
The Native Americans
Even though they lacked access to toothbrushes and toothpaste, Native Americans’ teeth were automatically healthier than the Pilgrims’ because of their better diets. Native Americans ate berries, nuts, meat, vegetables, and grains. It’s as true today as it was in the 14 and 1500s that a balanced diet is crucial for a healthy, long-lasting smile; it’s what your Long Island pediatric dentist recommends. But what you eat is only part of what helps keep our mouths healthy.
After we eat, we need to clean our teeth and remove any leftover food particles that may be hanging around. When a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste weren’t available, the Pilgrims and Native Americans used the next best thing. Both groups made a toothbrush-like tool out of pig hair that was tied to an animal bone or a twig from a tree. They used needles from a pine tree like we use toothpicks today to remove food from teeth. Both groups rubbed herbs, salt, and leaves onto their teeth to freshen their mouths, and the Native Americans created something similar to toothpaste using the cucacua plant.
Still, neither the Native Americans nor the Pilgrims enjoyed the standard of oral health we do today. In order to get and keep your mouth healthy, brush twice a day, floss once day, and don’t forget to visit our pediatric dental office in Long Island regularly. Regular visits, in addition to a proper at-home routine and a good diet, will work together to keep your smile healthy, which is something we can all be thankful for!
Serving patients in Long Island, Westbury, and Nassau County.
Certainly! I'm well-versed in historical oral health practices and dental care. In the context of the Pilgrims and Native Americans during Thanksgiving, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article.
Historical Diet and Dental Health:
1. Pilgrims' Diet:
- Limited Food Choices: During their voyage on The Mayflower, the Pilgrims had a restricted diet comprising dried meats, fruits, beans, and hardtack.
- Impact on Dental Health: This diet lacked fresh foods and variety, potentially contributing to poorer dental health due to a lack of essential nutrients.
2. Native Americans' Diet:
- Varied and Balanced Diet: Native Americans consumed berries, nuts, meats, vegetables, and grains.
- Impact on Dental Health: Their diverse diet likely contributed to better oral health compared to the Pilgrims, providing essential nutrients for healthier teeth and gums.
Oral Hygiene Practices:
1. Tooth-Cleaning Tools:
- Pilgrims: Used toothbrush-like tools made of pig hair tied to bone or tree twigs. They also utilized pine needles as toothpicks.
- Native Americans: Employed similar tooth-cleaning methods with pig hair and utilized pine needles as toothpicks.
2. Natural Mouth Fresheners and Cleaners:
- Both Groups: Used herbs, salt, leaves, and natural ingredients for mouth freshness. Native Americans even created a toothpaste-like substance from the cucacua plant.
Modern Dental Care Recommendations:
1. Oral Health Practices Today:
- Brushing and Flossing: Stress on the importance of brushing twice a day, daily flossing, and regular dental visits.
- Healthy Diet: Emphasize the role of a balanced diet in maintaining good oral health, echoing the practices of Native Americans.
Conclusion:
The article illustrates the significant impact of diet and oral hygiene practices on the dental health of the Pilgrims and Native Americans during Thanksgiving. While both groups faced challenges in maintaining oral hygiene, the Native Americans' diverse diet likely contributed to better dental health compared to the Pilgrims' more limited diet.
Furthermore, the article serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices and a balanced diet in modern times, reinforcing the recommendations for brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups, and a nutritious diet for optimal oral health.
