Contrary to popular belief, George Washington never wore wooden teeth. They were carved from hippopotamus ivory and elephant ivory.
He lost his first adult tooth when he was 22 years old. Despite cleaning his teeth regularly, during the next 35 years he would lose the rest of his teeth.
In the 1700s, treatments for illnesses sometimes weakened the teeth, and Washington had many illnesses throughout his life. By the time he was inaugurated as the first U.S. president in 1789, he had only one natural tooth left in his mouth.
Washington had at least four different dentists but his favorite was John Greenwood, who made three sets of dentures for Washington, and none of them were made from wood.
An exhibit at the National Museum of Dentistry puts Washington?s dentures on display for his 275th birthday celebration.
Provided by the National Museum of Dentistry, www.dentalmuseum.org.
National Museum of Dentistry
Exhibit of Washington?s teeth
Time: 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 18
Tickets: $1
Contact: 410-706-000 or visit www.dentalmuseum.org
