Debunked Fact History Medicine

George Washington Had Wooden False Teeth

Washington's dentures were made of ivory, gold, and human teeth

George Washington wore false teeth made of wood, which is why he looked so uncomfortable in portraits.

Washington's dentures were made from a variety of materials including ivory (hippopotamus and elephant), gold, lead, and human teeth, but never wood. The idea of wooden teeth is a persistent myth. His uncomfortable expression in paintings likely resulted from the actual dentures being ill-fitting and painful, not from wood.

Believed Since 1900
Year Revised 1995
Why Changed Never True
Confidence Fully Debunked
Region Worldwide

Reception

8/10
7/10

Sources

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