With Thanksgiving right around the corner, this is often the time when Americans reflect on the historical feast that the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared. Today, your holiday spread can be enjoyed without the risk of cavities thanks to oral hygiene essentials like toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. But what did people use back in the day? Keep reading to learn the answer.
What Did Oral Hygiene Look like for Pilgrims and Native Americans?
With everything you need to care for your smile available at your local store (or online with fast shipping), it can be hard to fathom what it was like for Pilgrims and Native Americans. While they didn’t have access to the tools we have today or even baking soda to create an at-home toothpaste, they were able to make their own oral hygiene tools. In fact, historical relics have shown that hog’s hair was tied to twig or bone, forming a toothbrush. Thank goodness for modern dentistry!
How Oral Hygiene Looks Different Today
Obviously, dental hygiene looks much different today. To begin, there is a large emphasis on and understanding of the importance of oral health. As a result, the majority of patients today know that best practices like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting their dentist every six months are essential. Plus, advancements in dentistry and technology have led to better diagnosis, early intervention, and lower cases of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
6 Thanksgiving-Specific Oral Hygiene Tips
Between the delicious sides, festive main dishes, and sweet treats, your teeth might be working overtime during the holidays. To keep them healthy and decay-free, make sure to:
- Brush for a full two minutes after each meal (or at least morning and night)
- Floss and rinse with mouthwash daily
- Schedule your second checkup and cleaning of the year (if you haven’t already)
- Opt for water over wine, soda, and coffee
- Exercise caution with hard, sticky, and chewy foods, like caramel popcorn and peanut brittle
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on ice or using your teeth as tools to open things
Oral hygiene might look different now, but it’s just as important as ever. So, make sure to prioritize your dental care regimen this holiday season – your smile will thank you for it!
About the Practice
Our team at University Dental Group is led by five talented dental professionals who are passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, happy smiles. From routine checkups to custom nightguards for Bruxism, we prioritize preventive care to help our patients keep their teeth and gums in pristine condition for years to come. Plus, if an oral health concern does arise, we can intervene in the early stages to restore your smile. If you have a question about how to care for your smile or if it’s been more than six months since your last visit and you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 753-1911.