Few figures loom as large as George Washington, the nation’s first president. Amidst tales of his bravery, leadership, and statesmanship, one enduring myth persists: the belief that Washington had a set of wooden teeth. As dental professionals, we at Dakota Dental are here to separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth behind this historical dental mystery!
Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth?
For centuries, it has been widely believed that George Washington’s teeth, or more precisely, his dentures, were crafted from wood. This misconception has been perpetuated in countless textbooks, films, and even popular culture. However, the reality is far more complex.
The Truth About Washington’s Teeth
Contrary to popular belief, George Washington did not have wooden teeth. However, he did struggle with lifelong dental issues, enduring numerous tooth extractions and dental procedures. Before Washington became president of the United States, he had lost almost all of his teeth!
According to a study by a forensic anthropologist from the University of Pittsburgh in collaboration with the National Museum of Dentistry and the Smithsonian Museum, the dentures were made of gold, hippopotamus ivory, lead, and human and animal teeth – including horse and donkey teeth. They were custom-made and hand-carved by the most prominent dentist of that time, Dr. John Greenwood.
What Were 18th-Century Dentures Like?
Here’s where it gets interesting: The upper and lower gold plates of Washington’s dentures were connected by springs, which pushed the plates against the upper and lower ridges of his mouth to keep the dentures fitting snuggly. President Washington had to be intentional about holding his jaws closed to make his teeth bite together. If he relaxed his jaw, his mouth would pop open!
Some people think this may partially account for President Washington’s stern look in his portraits— he’s trying to hold his mouth shut. (Or perhaps it’s because he was turned down twice in marriage proposals to two different women before the widow, Martha Custis, accepted his proposal!)
Furthermore, because the loss of his original teeth left him with badly sunken cheeks, he stuffed his cheeks with cotton to achieve a healthier look.
If you want to see his dentures for yourself, you can stop by the Dr. Samuel Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore. They’re on display alongside other fun, interesting dental artifacts.
Fun historical fact: In 1976, during the Smithsonian’s bicentennial exhibit, one set of dentures was stolen, presumably for their gold content, and has never been recovered!
The Challenges of Dental Care in the 18th Century
To understand why the myth of Washington’s wooden teeth persists, it’s important to consider the state of dental care in the 18th century. Dental hygiene was rudimentary at best, and tooth loss was a common problem due to poor diet, limited dental knowledge, and lack of access to modern dental care. In this context, it’s unsurprising that Washington, like many of his contemporaries, faced significant dental challenges.
The Legacy of Washington’s Dental Myth
While the myth of George Washington’s wooden teeth may persist, it serves as a reminder of the importance of dental health and the incredible advancements made in dental care. Thankfully, dentures and dental implants have come a long way! Dakota Dental offers a wide range of treatments and technologies to help preserve and restore your smile.
In addition to a broad medical background, our Apple Valley dentists have studied oral anatomy, facial structure, general and oral pathology, psychology, and state-of-the-art dental materials (no hippopotamus ivory!) Our professional training means we can evaluate your total oral health and its relationship to your overall health.
Dental Procedures for the 21st Century
As dental professionals, we debunk myths and educate our patients about the importance of oral health. We’re committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles for life.
If you have any questions about dental myths or want to visit our clinic, don’t hesitate to request an appointment. Your smile is our top priority!
P.S. Also, as far as President Washington cutting down that cherry tree, historians say it’s almost certainly untrue. That being said, it accurately reflects the traits of our first president, whose great place in history and political success was attributed to his great strength of character—certainly not his dazzling politician smile!