The short answer is, both. George Washington, born in 1732, suffered from dental problems nearly his whole life. While most people (except for us) don’t usually think about G.W’s dental health, his lifelong battle with abscessed teeth, inflamed gums, and ill-fitting dentures had a real impact not only on dentistry, but American History as well.
As a young adult G.W. suffered from smallpox, dengue fever, malaria, and dysentery, just to name a few. Many physical and mental maladies were treated with calomel, or “mercurous chloride”. This chemical compound may have helped ease G.W’s pain, but it also contributed to destroying his teeth. Additionally, many primitive dental care products were made with abrasive materials that destroyed the enamel of teeth. Preventive dentistry was almost unheard of in the 18th century, although G.W. brushed his teeth every day. He even owned a tongue scraper! Speculation also suggests he cracked some of his teeth on brazil nuts. Regardless of the possible ways in which his teeth were destroyed one by one, it is known that G.W. began losing teeth at age 22, and had 1 lone tooth in his head by the time he was 57. It’s a good thing he had the presidency to fall back on because he may have had a hard time getting a date on Saturday nights.
Contrary to popular belief, George Washington never owned a set of wooden false teeth. He owned many sets of dentures made from ivory, lead, or human/animal teeth; All of which were ill-fitting. G.W’s ill-fitting dentures caused him pain and discomfort, however, as evidenced by a few presidential pictures, having NO dentures changed the shape of his face, causing sunken-in lips and cheeks. As the president of the United States, this was unacceptable. Rather, most photos depict G.W. wearing his dentures, with his mouth shut and lips together. This was necessary in order to keep the dentures from falling out. It also explains why his mouth appears swollen.
Dental discomfort was actually the reason why G.W did not give his second inaugural address! His discomfort also prevented him from smiling as well. It is suggested that George Washington’s infamous “hair trigger temper” was a result of constant dental pain and irritability. It’s a good thing he had a wife at that point, because he likely would have had a hard time getting a date on Friday nights based on his misunderstood temper and inability to smile. Next time you are on the web and want to google something exciting, look up “George Washington photos”. See if you can tell in which pictures G.W. is wearing his dentures, and which ones he is not. Noticeable in some photos is a long scar on his left cheek, which was from an incision made to treat an abscessed tooth! See if you can find it. It’s a great game and likely why we have a hard time finding dates on either Friday or Saturday nights.
Some fun facts:
*George Washington paid $60 for his first set of dentures, by today’s inflation rate that would be approximately $1694.18.
*The University of Maryland Dental School had one of George Washington’s original dentures on display, however, loaned it to the Smithsonian in 1976 when it was stolen. Only half was returned in 1982.
If you are experiencing ill-fitting dentures, or would like a set of dentures please give Waverley Dental Care a call to set up an appointment. If you know the whereabouts of the missing half of George Washington’s dentures, call us about that as well. There might be a reward. That would be nice.
