Old George and his "Wooden" Teeth

We all have heard the tale that George Washington had dentures made of wood.  And I am sure most of us have figured out by this time that that story is a falsehood.  Why would he have wooden teeth when better technology and materials were available?  As a result of bad genetics and horrible dental care in his time  Washington became the first President of the United States with only a single tooth in that big ol' head of his.  Apparently is was a premolar.  Premolars are located between the canine teeth and the molars.

Dentures in the late 18th century could be made from combinations of lead, gold, human teeth, elephant ivory, hippo ivory, and bone, among other things.  George's only complete set of dentures is housed at the Smithsonian.  They are made from lead, human teeth, cow teeth, and elephant ivory. Yuuuuck.  Could you imagine having metal in your mouth constantly?  And not clean, sterile, tasteless metal like is used for braces today. It would taste like you had a mouthful of coins.  Nasty.

Here's a pic!

But it was important for him to look his best.  He was the president of the world's newest country after all.  One must look presidential at all times.  Apparently the whole "wooden teeth" story got its start because ivory has a very fine grain and he loved his red wine.  This stained the grain of the faux teeth and made it look like they were wooden from far away.  

There is also a report of George buying 9 human teeth from African Americans.  He wasn't the only one though.  The purchase of human teeth in the 18th century was common among affluent folks.  I am very happy with the dental practices available in our century.