{"id":1323,"date":"2022-09-04T04:01:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-04T04:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wyliechildrensdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1323"},"modified":"2022-10-08T04:01:52","modified_gmt":"2022-10-08T04:01:52","slug":"talk-like-a-pirate-day-tips-to-keep-your-smile-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wyliechildrensdentistry.com\/blog\/2022\/09\/04\/talk-like-a-pirate-day-tips-to-keep-your-smile-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Talk Like a Pirate \u2013 But Don\u2019t Treat Your Teeth Like One!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"child<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

September 19 is approaching, so International Talk Like a Pirate Day will be here before we know it! If you\u2019ve ever wondered why pirates have a reputation for horrible teeth, there\u2019s certainly a reason. In honor of this unique day, a pediatric dentist in Wylie<\/a> shares why pirates had terrible oral health and what steps you can take to ensure your smile shines brighter than buried treasure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Pirates Have Bad Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever noticed that pirates have awful chompers? Here are a few reasons why they had poor dental health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scurvy Was a Problem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of Vitamin C, resulting in severely weakened receding gums. This essential vitamin is found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Since pirates spent the majority of their time on open seas with no access to nutritious foods, they often had to live with unhealthy gums, missing teeth, and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lack of Oral Hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The modern toothbrush was invented less than 100 years ago, long after pirates sailed the sea. Obviously, pirates rarely (if ever) brushed their teeth. But when they did, they would use rags or twigs with frayed ends to clean their teeth. Unfortunately, those items aren\u2019t as effective at eliminating plaque the way brushing and flossing can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cavities Left Untreated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since oral care wasn\u2019t a priority during the Golden Age of Piracy, cavities were often left untreated. Pirates would rely on pain as an indicator that something was wrong with their mouths. However, a cavity that is severely hurting indicates the decay has progressed into a serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There Were No Dentists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anytime a pirate had a severe dental problem, their best treatment option would be to ask a fellow crewmate to yank their aching tooth out. That was a normal solution for most oral health issues since there were no real dentists on board. Fortunately, we now have dentists with years of training and experience who can provide professional, high-quality, and comfortable dental care!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Your Smile in Shipshape Condition <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Talk Like a Pirate Day, it\u2019s okay to do just that. But don\u2019t risk getting a buccaneer-like grin! Here\u2019s how to keep a shipshape smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n