Upon visiting the museum at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home, you will see an enormous collection of 18th-century artifacts, including George’s personal items and military gear. With so much to look at, one never knows what one will find around each corner. I am always hopeful it is not mannequins (click here for Unhidden Figures).
Nothing prepared me for a clear box containing the only complete set of George’s dentures. Nothing.
As with surprises such as this, I was hit with both revulsion and fascination: Ewwww and I cannot look away. There was doubt: These can’t possibly be his teeth. And then acceptance: Holy molar-y. These are George’s teeth!
Constructed not of wood as we have been told, these dentures were made from human teeth, ivory, cow and horse teeth, lead, tin, copper, and silver alloys.
George suffered from poor dental health throughout his adulthood, experiencing recurring toothaches, decay, and tooth loss.
As it was on this day at the museum, I can only view the photograph of his teeth for a short amount of time. But I keep coming back to it. These dentures are a reality check. George Washington, with all the trappings of his accomplishments, his legendary status, what he meant to this country, the world, you, me . . . was human, tooth.
For other Mount Vernon stories:
Mount Vernon – His Home
Mount Vernon – His Final Resting Place
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