The Disturbing Truth Behind George Washington’s Dentures: A Reflection on Pain, Craftsmanship, and Irony

George Washington, the first president of the United States and a figure synonymous with American ideals of freedom and virtue, has long been celebrated as a symbol of strength and integrity. His face graces the dollar bill, and his legacy is enshrined in the annals of history as the founding father of a nation built on liberty. However, beneath this revered image lies a shocking truth that reveals the complexities of his life and the contradictions inherent in the history he helped shape. The myth that Washington had wooden teeth is not only false but obscures a far darker reality: his dentures were made from materials that included human teeth, a fact that challenges our understanding of this iconic figure.

By his twenties, Washington was already experiencing significant dental problems, losing teeth one by one. By the time he took the oath of office, he had only one tooth remaining. This dental deterioration was not merely a cosmetic issue; it caused him constant pain, slurred speech, and bleeding gums. Desperate to maintain his public image and alleviate his suffering, Washington sought the expertise of the best dentists available in the 18th century. Contrary to the popular belief that he wore wooden dentures, these skilled artisans crafted his false teeth from gold, brass, hippopotamus ivory, and, most disturbingly, human teeth.

Washington’s personal ledgers reveal a chilling aspect of his character: in 1784, he paid “Negroes for 9 teeth.” This transaction starkly contrasts with the ideals of liberty and human rights that he espoused in his writings. The same man who championed the rights of mankind was, in fact, purchasing parts of other human beings to reconstruct his own mouth. This duality presents a profound moral contradiction, highlighting the complexities of the man behind the myth.

The dentures themselves were remarkable feats of craftsmanship, designed to fit Washington’s mouth precisely. They were held together by tiny screws and springs that could snap shut with alarming force. To eat or speak, Washington had to force them open, which caused his lips to swell against the cumbersome contraption. This discomfort is evident in portraits by Gilbert Stuart, where Washington’s tight-lipped expression and unnatural jawline reflect not dignity, but rather a struggle to maintain composure in the face of physical pain.

Throughout his life, Washington went through multiple sets of dentures, each custom-made by Dr. John Greenwood, a prominent dentist of the time. Greenwood constantly adjusted the dentures to alleviate Washington’s persistent pain, but the discomfort never truly subsided. In letters to friends and family, Washington often complained that eating was “a torment,” revealing the extent of his suffering and the lengths to which he went to hide it from the public.

The enduring myth of Washington’s wooden teeth likely originated later, as the ivory used in his dentures yellowed with age and stains, giving it a grain-like appearance that could easily be mistaken for wood. This false narrative has been polished into folklore, obscuring the more unsettling truths of Washington’s life and the societal context in which he lived.

The irony of Washington’s situation is striking. The very symbol of American virtue—stoic, honest, and pure—literally spoke through the teeth of enslaved people. His smile was not crafted from wood; it was shaped by the contradictions of history, embodying the founding father of freedom built on the bones of the unfree. This reality forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the nation’s origins and the individuals who played pivotal roles in its formation.

Washington’s legacy is a reminder that even the most revered figures can be entwined in the complexities of human existence. The story of his dentures serves as a metaphor for the broader narrative of American history—one that is often sanitized and romanticized, glossing over the harsh realities faced by many, particularly enslaved individuals who were dehumanized and commodified.

In conclusion, the truth behind George Washington’s dentures reveals the intricate layers of his life and the moral contradictions that defined his legacy. As we reflect on the stories we tell about our heroes, it becomes essential to acknowledge the uncomfortable truths that lie beneath the surface. Washington’s experience with pain, craftsmanship, and the exploitation of others serves as a powerful reminder that history is rarely black and white. It challenges us to engage with the complexities of our past, recognizing that the foundations of freedom were often built on the suffering of the unfree. The enduring myth of wooden teeth may have concealed the truth, but it is the truth that ultimately shapes our understanding of who George Washington was and the legacy he left behind.