In honor of the approaching November 2nd election I wanted to share some facts about politicians who wore dentures!
Several famous politicians throughout history have worn dentures, as dental issues were common before modern dental care became widespread. Here are a few notable ones:
1. George Washington
- Arguably the most famous denture-wearer, Washington’s teeth were in poor condition from a young age. Contrary to myth, his dentures weren’t wooden but were made from materials like ivory, animal teeth, and even lead. Washington’s dentures required constant maintenance and made smiling uncomfortable, which is why he’s often depicted with a tight-lipped expression.
2. Winston Churchill
- The British Prime Minister during World War II, Churchill wore custom-made dentures that helped him maintain his distinctive speech. These dentures were so important to his voice that Churchill even had multiple sets made as backups, fearing that damage to them would affect his iconic speaking style.
3. Lyndon B. Johnson
- The 36th U.S. President, LBJ wore dentures after extensive dental work in his early life. He reportedly wasn’t shy about showing his dentures, once even showing them off during a famous photograph with reporters to lighten the mood.
4. Thomas Jefferson
- Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the 3rd U.S. President, also struggled with dental issues later in life. While he didn’t wear full dentures, he wore partial ones to help him chew and speak, a common practice of his era.
Dentures were a necessity for many leaders, and although materials and comfort have improved vastly, it’s fascinating to think of these figures navigating their leadership roles while managing their tricky dentures!
