You have a lot to be thankful for this year, including your oral health! In fact, you have it way better than your ancestors did. This Thanksgiving, if you’re wondering how the Pilgrims and indigenous peoples cared for their own teeth following their big meal, here’s some history about how oral hygiene has changed since 1600s!
Pilgrims
When the pilgrims first arrived on the shores of what is now Massachusetts in November of 1620, they had been sailing on the Mayflower for 66 days! During that time, they were still using rudimentary dental tools fashioned from things like boars’ hair fastened to twigs or bones. These tools were helpful early toothbrushes, but they only scrubbed the teeth and offered no protection against bacteria like today’s toothpaste does.
Indigenous Peoples
The native communities that interacted with the pilgrims when they arrived were also concerned about their oral health and had their own methods of caring for their teeth. One of the things the Wampanoag residents shared with these early immigrants was their use of sage as a toothpaste and toothbrush combination. Sage has since been found to have antimicrobial properties that kill plaque and bacteria!
Oh, How Times Have Changed…
Thankfully, caring for your teeth is a bit easier today than it was for the indigenous people and settlers, but their commitment to oral health has helped shape how we protect our teeth and gums today.
So, this Thanksgiving, after you’ve filled up on turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the other sides that have been handed down from generation to generation, take a moment to be thankful for the innovations of our ancestors that have helped us keep our teeth and gums healthy and strong so we can enjoy these epic feasts with friends and family!
About Our Practice
At Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry, we can’t wait to welcome you to our practice! We take the time to really get to know each of our patients, and we’re proud that many of them trust us to treat their entire family.
If you’re looking for one convenient place to treat a wide range of dental issues including comprehensive exams and cleanings, our highly skilled dental team is here to help!
To schedule your semi-annual cleaning and exam, please visit our website or call us today at 903-838-9700.