“George Washington had wooden teeth.”

George Washington, the first president of the United States, famously endured significant dental issues throughout his life. While it's a popular misconception that he wore wooden teeth, this claim is entirely false. In reality, Washington's numerous sets of dentures were crafted from a variety of materials, none of which included wood. His dental prosthetics were sophisticated for their time, incorporating materials such as human teeth, which were sometimes purchased from enslaved people, as well as animal teeth from cows, horses, hippopotamuses, and elephant ivory. Lead, gold, and metal springs were also used in their construction.

The enduring myth of Washington's "wooden teeth" likely stems from the appearance of his ivory dentures. Ivory, being a porous material, would have absorbed stains from the foods and drinks he consumed, such as wine and tobacco. This staining would have given the dentures a dark, grainy, and wood-like appearance, leading observers to mistakenly believe they were made of wood. The visual evidence, combined with the general understanding of early dental technology, contributed to the widespread and persistent nature of this historical inaccuracy.

People commonly believe this myth because it's a simple, memorable image that fits with the historical period and a president known for his stoicism. The idea of a founding father with wooden teeth adds a touch of rustic charm or even hardship to his persona, making the story easy to recall and repeat. However, understanding the true composition of his dentures provides a more accurate and fascinating glimpse into 18th-century dentistry and the personal struggles of a key historical figure.