The Story of George Washington’s Not-So-Wooden Dentures

As a dentist, I mostly discuss dentures and partial dentures. Today let’s mix it up and talk about some denture history!

One of the most persistent myths in American history is that George Washington, the first U.S. president, wore wooden dentures. But the truth is even more interesting—and a bit strange.

Washington suffered from dental problems throughout his life. By the time he became president in 1789, he had only one natural tooth left. He wore multiple sets of dentures, but none were made of wood. Instead, his dentures were crafted from a bizarre combination of materials, including:

• Ivory (from hippos and elephants)
• Human teeth (some of which may have been purchased from enslaved individuals)
• Métal (such as lead and gold)
• Animal teeth

One of his most famous sets used springs and metal fasteners to hold the dentures in place, which made them bulky and uncomfortable. Washington even complained that they distorted the shape of his face and made it hard to talk or smile.

So, while the idea of “wooden teeth” is just a myth, the reality of George Washington’s dentures gives us a fascinating glimpse into early dental technology—and the uncomfortable extremes people once went to for a complete smile.

With today’s current technology smiles are more easily crafted and maintained. If you can’t find a dentist keep in mind online dentures might be a good fit for you and certainly won’t be made from wood!