Talk Like a Pirate – But Don’t Treat Your Teeth Like One!

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

Why Do Pirates Have Bad Teeth?

Have you ever noticed that pirates have awful chompers? Here are a few reasons why they had poor dental health:

Scurvy Was a Problem

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.

Lack of Oral Hygiene

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’t as effective at eliminating plaque the way brushing and flossing can.

Cavities Left Untreated

Since oral care wasn’t 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.

There Were No Dentists

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!

How to Keep Your Smile in Shipshape Condition

On Talk Like a Pirate Day, it’s okay to do just that. But don’t risk getting a buccaneer-like grin! Here’s how to keep a shipshape smile:

• Practice good oral hygiene. You must brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Don’t forget to floss daily as well!
• Wear a mouthguard. When participating in sports, one blow to the face could easily result in a knocked-out tooth. You can protect against oral injuries by wearing a mouthguard.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water every day. It helps wash away food particles and sugars that can lead to cavities and decay.
• Eat a well-balanced diet. By eating a well-balanced diet full of nutritious foods (whole grains, dairy, lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables), you can keep your oral and overall health in its best shape!

Pretending to be a pirate for a day is fun! But you definitely do not want to emulate their oral health habits. With proper dental care, you can ensure your smile remains a treasure you can cherish for a lifetime!

About the Author

Dr. Allen Pearson has been quite busy for almost two decades now providing thousands of children with the best dental treatment he can offer in a comfortable environment. Earning his dental degree from Creighton University, he obtained his Pediatric Dental Specialty Certificate through advanced training at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Eastman Dental College. Dr. Pearson can help make sure your child avoids getting a pirate smile via regular checkups and cleanings. Schedule one on his website or call (972) 429-7070.