Did George Washington wear wooden teeth? His Mount Vernon estate says never
Video: Bobblehead George (external content, rights belong to the creator; HK Dental Guide adds commentary only) Original video · Mount Vernon 官方網站收錄嘅教育短片
George Washington's Mount Vernon estate features a short educational video taking a close look at his dentures. Mount Vernon says that at his first inauguration in 1789 Washington had only one natural tooth left, and that his dentures used materials such as tin, gold, lead and human teeth — but never wood. The "wooden teeth" story most likely comes from the materials staining over time and looking like wood grain.
What it means for you
A myth that has lasted more than two centuries — and a look at how far tooth replacement has come since the 18th century.
Editors' take: the background
Mount Vernon describes how Washington suffered real discomfort and facial distortion from his cumbersome dentures. Historical records cited by Wikipedia also show his dentures used hippopotamus ivory and animal teeth, and a 1784 account records him paying enslaved people for teeth — a part of the story now studied as part of the history of slavery in America.
Options today are very different: removable dentures, bridges and implants each involve trade-offs in cost, surgery, cleaning and lifespan. See our comparison guide and our removable denture care guide.
Key points
- Washington's dentures were never made of wood
- They used tin, gold, lead and human teeth
- Today, missing teeth can be replaced with removable dentures, bridges or implants
Source: Bobblehead George / George Washington's Mount Vernon
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
Why do people think Washington had wooden teeth?
Mount Vernon says the most likely reason is that the denture materials stained over time and looked like wood grain; a letter from his dentist mentions a set that had become "very black".
What are the options for missing teeth today?
Mainly removable dentures, bridges and implants. They differ in cost, whether surgery is needed, cleaning and lifespan; discuss them with your dentist based on your mouth.
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