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FORGOTTEN MOMENTS IN HISTORY
Little known facts for the history buff
by courtney donovan smith

Washington's "Wooden" Teeth

Popular legend describes George Washington's dentures as "wooden" but, in fact, the three extant sets were made of many materials, including hippopotamus ivory, cow's teeth and metal, with some wood used to hold the teeth in place. Although Washington's ability to keep morale high in the face of adversity is widely known, the role of his dentures to accomplish this is less so. One of the general's favourite tricks during meetings was to stick his forefinger in his mouth, as if he were picking his teeth. But, when his finger came out, his choppers would be clamped to his finger. He would act as if nothing unusual had occurred, as those speaking to him continued as best as they could while goggling at the teeth. This was reportedly used most effectively in a particularly difficult negotiation during the constitutional convention in 1787.