“George Washington had wooden teeth.”

It is a common misconception that America's first president, George Washington, wore wooden teeth. While it is certainly true that Washington endured significant dental problems throughout his life and relied on dentures, the materials used in their construction were far more sophisticated and varied than simple wood.

Historical evidence, including preserved dentures and Washington's personal correspondence, confirms that his false teeth were crafted from a diverse array of substances. These included human teeth, often acquired from enslaved individuals or purchased, as well as animal ivory derived from elephants and hippopotamuses. Additionally, lead and gold were incorporated into the bases and springs of these intricate dental prosthetics, making them quite advanced for the 18th century, despite their inherent discomfort.

The widespread belief in "wooden teeth" likely arose from the natural degradation and staining of these materials over time. Ivory, being porous, would have discolored and darkened with prolonged exposure to food, drink, and tobacco, taking on a rough, wood-like appearance. The crude carving marks and the overall worn look of these historical dentures could easily have led observers to mistakenly conclude that they were made of wood, cementing this enduring myth in popular imagination.