- He Never Had Wooden Teeth Despite what many were taught in school, none of Washington’s dentures were made of wood. The myth likely arose because the ivory in his dentures stained over time, giving them a grainy, wood-like appearance.
- His Dentures Were a Painful Patchwork Washington suffered from dental problems most of his life. By the time of his first presidential inauguration in 1789, he had only one natural tooth left. Over the years, he used at least four sets of dentures made from:
- Human teeth (some possibly purchased from enslaved people)
- Animal teeth (including horse and cow)
- Metals like brass, lead, and gold
These dentures were held together with springs and bolts, often causing discomfort and facial distortion.
- He Bought Teeth from Enslaved People Records from Mount Vernon show that Washington paid enslaved individuals for their teeth—likely for use in dentures, either his own or by his dentist, Jean Pierre Le Mayeur. This practice, while not uncommon in the 18th century, adds a darker layer to the story.
- His Dentist Was a Pioneer John Greenwood, Washington’s personal dentist, crafted many of his dentures and even received Washington’s last remaining tooth as a keepsake. Greenwood emphasized hygiene and regularly repaired Washington’s dental gear.
Why It Matters
Washington’s dental struggles weren’t just physical—they shaped his public image. His tightly closed mouth in portraits wasn’t stoicism; it was pain. And the myth of wooden teeth, while false, reflects how we sanitize history to make it more palatable.