“International Talk Like a Pirate Day” is a lighthearted and enjoyable tradition that allows us to embrace our inner pirates and adopt pirate-inspired language and behaviors. However, don’t let the fun distract you and your kids from the importance of maintaining good dental health—while it’s an enjoyable day to channel your inner swashbuckler, just remember that pirates aren’t known for their oral hygiene habits. Continue reading to learn a little more about some of the reasons why pirates have traditionally been portrayed with bad teeth, along with some useful tips from your trusted pediatric dentist.
Pirates Aren’t Known for Their Dental Hygiene…
The pirate life had its fair share of appeal, which is part of why it’s so fun to celebrate it these days by embracing their mannerisms. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for pirates, and throughout their adventures, they often suffered from poor oral health! This was due to a few reasons, but mainly, the fact that they didn’t have access to regular dental care while sailing the seas, nor did they spend time brushing and flossing in front of a bathroom mirror.
Additionally, scurvy was a serious threat—this disease is caused by a lack of vitamin C, which is commonly found in fruits and vegetables. One of the many unpleasant symptoms of scurvy is bleeding and swollen gums, which can trigger various other issues. It’s also worth mentioning that the alcohol commonly consumed by pirates, like rum, as well as tobacco, did no favors for their teeth.
In fact, any time a pirate had a tooth problem, the only real solution was usually to have one of their crewmates pull it out for them! Needless to say, this isn’t the best way to go about things; though it did often give pirates their trademark toothy grins!
Tips for Keeping Your Child’s Smile Healthy and Bright
This “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” you should encourage your child to dress, talk, and play like a pirate—but don’t let them treat their teeth like one! Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure your kiddo brushes twice a day and flosses daily—and if they have braces, they need to be brushing after each meal!
- Encourage your child to drink plenty of water; it encourages the flow of saliva within the mouth, which is the body’s first line of defense against tooth decay.
- Provide your child with healthy snack options and lean, well-balanced meals consisting of plenty of fruits and veggies, proteins, low-fat dairy products, and more.
- Be sure they visit their dentist twice a year for routine preventive care.
It’s fun for children to embrace their imaginations and pretend to be pirates; just don’t let them adopt their oral hygiene habits!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has proudly served families in the Nashua, NH community for several years, and we’d be honored to provide you and your family with an unmatched level of dental care. We’re excited to offer a wide range of pediatric services aimed at fostering young smiles and setting them up for healthy futures. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for your child, feel free to contact us online or give us a call today for further assistance: (603) 605-1094.