As Thanksgiving nears, so too does the opportunity for biscuits, pies, and ciders. While we take the time to give thanks for family, friends, and stuffing, we should also give thanks to the Native Americans who helped the Pilgrims improve their oral hygiene. Of course, we should also give thanks for modern dental advancements and dental education. After all, without our teeth, we could not enjoy all of the wonderful foods we share with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day.

When the Pilgrims set sail for the Americas, they brought with them poor oral hygiene habits. When traveling to the Americas, pilgrims survived on dried meats, dried fruits, beer, and old-fashioned biscuits, (probably not as tasty as they sound). The pilgrims did not pay very close attention to the condition of their teeth, nor did they pay very close attention to the way that their diet negatively affected the condition of their teeth.

On the other hand, the Native Americans had better diets and exemplary techniques for cleaning their teeth. Most Native Americans survived on crops like corn, gathering nuts and berries, and also hunting for food. The opportunity for fresh organic food undoubtedly contributed to better oral hygiene than the pilgrims had. Furthermore, Native Americans were amazingly conscious of the need to proactively clean their teeth to keep them healthy. For instance, Native Americans developed their version of toothpaste. They used herbs like Tarragon and the Cucacua plant to create a paste similar to our modern day toothpaste. Toothbrushes did not get introduced to the United States until the year 1885, but Native Americans used pine needles and even coarse animal hair tied around sticks and twigs to create a tool similar to the toothbrush.

It’s a fun thought to consider what the Native Americans and Pilgrims of the early Americas would have thought about mint or bubblegum flavored toothpaste, spinning toothbrushes, and teeth whitening mouthwash. While we enjoy our pumpkin pie this holiday, we should remember the technologies that the Native Americans introduced to the pilgrims, which undoubtedly contributed to cleaner teeth and a better quality of life. We should also give thanks to our dentists and dental hygienists of today because we no longer have to use pine needles and sticks to clean our teeth, and we can enjoy our pumpkin pie and cider guilt-free. Well, we can enjoy those things guilt free as they relate to our teeth at least.

Advance Orthodontics wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Although we get braces and Invisalign to correct our crooked teeth, some find a reason to smile with no teeth. With the release of Netflix’s original show Stranger Things we’ve learned that there’s no reason to restrict your smile.

Actor Gaten Matarazzo portrays Dustin Henderson, our favorite 4th grader and sweet treats enthusiast, who fights alongside his best buds to save their friend Mike from monsters unknown. While Dustin wins us over throughout the season with his fierce loyalty and extensive Dungeons & Dragons knowledge, his toothless grin is what really melts hearts. The teen’s natural charisma is off the charts. His toothlessness only fuels his adorable goofiness.

Having some fun with my cast before the holiday break! @netflix #strangerthings #strangerkids pic.twitter.com/Xj4EBfnrUH

— Gaten Matarazzo (@GatenM123) December 17, 2015

Matarazzo’s real life condition is called cleidocranial dysplasia. This rare condition is hereditary and in some cases causes dental abnormalities like late-stage loss of baby teeth and slow emergence of secondary teeth. After Matarazzo was cast, the creators (the Duffer Brothers, Matt and Ross) were quick to write Dustin’s incisor teeth out of the show. In an interview with The Daily Beast, Matarazzo shared how fans with cleidocranial dysplasia have found inspiration in Dustin. “They say that because this was in the show this is the first time they’ve heard of it outside the doctor’s office, it made them feel really good and it inspired them.”

Dustin-moji! pic.twitter.com/jMryJgFdRX

— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) August 10, 2016

Those with cleidocranial dysplasia aren’t the only ones finding inspiration in Matarazzo’s confidence. The fan favorite makes audiences members of all ages and teeth-counts smile uncontrollably.

Matarazzo occasionally rocks dentures at red carpet events and in his day-to-day but his overall confidence, no matter the dental situation, is what people from all walks of life truly admire.

pic.twitter.com/JpVaTx4r9N

— Gaten Matarazzo (@GatenM123) August 16, 2016

How Important are They?

According to studies, people with straight teeth are perceived more likely to be successful, happy and maybe even second date worthy.

Invisalign published a cool infographic and reports that people with straight teeth are described as 68% happy while those with crooked teeth are described as 56% happy. People with straight teeth are also reported to have a 58% better chance of getting a job.

Advance Orthodontics understands that confidence is key and our practice offers traditional braces and Invisalign to help you get the smile you wish!

See more:

Infographic provided by: Invisalign

A college undergrad struggling with money and access to a 3D printer took matters into his own hands to correct his teeth.

Cute Wesley is breaking the internet with so much cuteness!

This puppy created quite a stir when pictures of his new smile were shared on Harborfront Hospital for Animals’ Facebook page earlier this week.

“Orthodontia in pets is normally not for aesthetic purposes, but because of health concerns. This is Wesley and he needed tooth alignment because he could not close his mouth completely, otherwise,” the animal hospital wrote.

Wesley’s owner Molly Moore noticed that his adult teeth were coming in wrong and worried her puppy was in pain to even eat. Her father is a specialist in veterinary dentistry and had the solution to Wesley’s pain!

Welcome to the braces community Wesley! You’ve got an adorably cute braceface!

Sources: Facebook, CBS News, Buzzfeed
Images: Molly Moore