George Washington’s Wooden Teeth- The Surprising Truth Behind the First President’s Smile

Does George Washington have wooden teeth? This question has intrigued many for centuries. The legend of the first President of the United States having wooden teeth has become a part of American folklore. In this article, we will delve into the truth behind this fascinating myth and explore the dental history of George Washington.

The story of George Washington’s wooden teeth began in the early 19th century, when a dentist named Charles Willson Peale, who had been a friend of Washington, claimed that the President had false teeth made of wood. This claim was later repeated in various books and articles, and the myth became widely accepted.

However, the truth is far from the legend. George Washington did indeed have dental problems throughout his life, but his teeth were not made of wood. Washington’s original teeth were healthy when he was young, but he lost them due to a combination of poor dental hygiene, frequent chewing of hard foods, and the use of a toothpick, which was a common practice at the time.

As his teeth began to fail, Washington sought the help of several dentists, including John Greenwood and John Baker. These dentists created a series of false teeth for him using various materials, including ivory, gold, and human and animal teeth. The myth of wooden teeth likely originated from the fact that Washington’s dentures included a set made from hippopotamus ivory, which was often mistaken for wood.

In conclusion, the popular belief that George Washington had wooden teeth is a myth. While he did have dental problems and wore false teeth, they were not made of wood. The myth serves as a reminder of the fascinating dental history of one of America’s most revered figures and the misconceptions that can arise from historical anecdotes.