Contrary to the common myth, George Washington did not have wooden teeth. According to Dr. Peter Jacobsohn, former professor and emeritus curator of the dental museum at Marquette University School of Dentistry, our first president’s teeth were real; of the human, horse, donkey, and cow variety. His denture must have been very uncomfortable, because a metal spring allowed it to open and close, and Washington had to clench his jaw to keep it shut.
In addition to primitive dentures, early Americans also lacked the following:
- Dentists: The dental profession did not yet exist. Craftsmen of varying backgrounds and skills went from town offering to extract teeth, but their training was poor at best.
- Toothbrushes: Mass produced toothbrushes did not exist in 1776. In fact, most Americans did not get in the habit of daily toothbrushing until the 1940’s.
- Understanding of periodontal disease: “Dental care involved the removal of the teeth when they were in pain or when the teeth loosened up because of periodontal disease,” according to Dr. Jacobsohn.
- Anesthesia: Opiates, alcohol, and home concoctions had to suffice.
- Dental X-Rays: That technology would not come about until 1895, and modern, 3D, digital x-rays would not become widely available to dentists for yet another one-hundred years or so, in the late 1990’s.
“We’re lucky to be alive today and not during George Washington’s time.” Dr. Jacobsohn said.
