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When we think about the first Thanksgiving, we often picture feasts, harvests, and unity between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. But have you ever wondered what their oral hygiene routines looked like? While modern dentistry gives us access to toothbrushes, toothpaste, and regular dental checkups, early settlers and Native Americans had their own ways of keeping their teeth clean and healthy.
Exploring their practices gives us a fascinating glimpse into how far oral care has come since that first celebration.
The Pilgrims’ Approach to Oral Hygiene
For the Pilgrims, oral hygiene wasn’t exactly a top priority. They had just endured a grueling voyage across the Atlantic and were more focused on survival than sparkling smiles. Toothbrushes as we know them didn’t exist yet—most people used cloths, twigs, or their fingers to wipe their teeth clean.
The Pilgrims also lacked the concept of fluoride or antibacterial cleaning, so toothpaste and mouthwash were out of the question. Instead, they might have used ashes, salt, or crushed herbs as rudimentary tooth powders. Unfortunately, their diet of hard, preserved foods combined with limited hygiene practices often led to tooth decay and gum disease. Access to a “dentist” was rare, so when a toothache struck, extraction was usually the only solution.
Despite these limitations, some colonists recognized the importance of clean teeth. A few recorded journals mention rinsing with water or using aromatic herbs like mint to freshen their breath—a small but notable step toward modern oral care.
Native American Dental Practices
Native Americans, on the other hand, tended to have stronger, healthier teeth overall, largely due to their diet and natural approach to oral hygiene. Their traditional foods were rich in nutrients—lean meats, fibrous roots, corn, and fresh vegetables—which naturally cleaned their teeth and supported healthy gums.
Many tribes used chewing sticks made from aromatic tree branches to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Some also used herbal remedies with antimicrobial properties, such as sage, yarrow, and sweetgrass, to prevent infections and soothe oral pain. Additionally, charcoal and ashes were sometimes used to polish teeth, serving as an early form of toothpaste.
Because their diets were lower in refined sugar and starch, tooth decay was far less common among Native Americans than among European settlers. Their natural methods reflected a deep understanding of the connection between diet, nature, and overall health—concepts that modern dentistry still values today.
From the First Feast to Modern Smiles
Fast forward a few centuries, and oral care has evolved dramatically. We now have access to professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and daily tools that make maintaining a healthy smile easy and effective. Where the Pilgrims once used twigs, we now use soft-bristled toothbrushes designed for gentle cleaning. Instead of ashes or herbs, our toothpaste contains ingredients that strengthen enamel, prevent cavities, and freshen breath.
Most importantly, preventive dental care has replaced extraction as the main approach to treatment. Regular checkups, cleanings, and home care routines help ensure that problems are caught early and smiles stay healthy for a lifetime.
Modern dentistry allows us to enjoy the benefits of centuries of learning—something to be thankful for every day, not just at Thanksgiving.
About the Practice
The Lancaster community can count on Sunny Dental & Orthodontics for all of their smile needs. Our team is thankful for each and every patient we see. With a focus on preventive dentistry, we offer routine cleanings, oral exams, and personalized hygiene guidance to keep your teeth and gums strong year-round.
Call us at (469) 765-8050 or request an appointment online.
