In honor of Independence Day, we’re sharing some presidential tooth tales from a time when our nation’s leaders didn’t have regular checkups or dental insurance.
George Washington
Despite the popular presidential tooth tale, George Washington didn’t really have wooden teeth. What he did have, however, were a variety of dentures made of everything from human, cow or horse teeth to ivory and metal like lead-tin, copper or silver. One thing is true: Washington definitely had poor oral health, likely due to illness. He lost his first permanent tooth when he was only 22 years old. At his presidential inauguration in 1790, age 58, he only had one tooth of his own left.
John Adams
The presidential tooth tales about John Adams are true! Adams’ dental health was poor throughout his life likely a result of vomitting, a love for sweets and poor oral health habits (like brushing and flossing!). In his later years, his poor oral health impacted his speech and made him difficult to understand.
Thomas Jefferson
Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson is a founding father with fairly good oral health habits. On July 18, 1824, Thomas Jefferson, then 81 years old, penned a letter to artist and friend Charles Willson Peale proudly proclaiming, “I am particularly happy in that not needing your porcelain teeth. I have lost only one by age, the rest continuing sound.”
Interested in other fun oral health facts? Check out these other blog articles:
- 5 Fun Facts About Dinosaur Teeth
- Do Cows Get Dental Care? A Look into the Mouth of a Farm Animal
- Smile Stories Behind Smash Hit Songs
Editors Note: This post was originally published September 2012. The content was revised and updated June 2023.
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