(06-16-2013, 01:42 PM)LincolnMan Wrote: (06-15-2013, 07:34 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote: (06-15-2013, 05:48 AM)LincolnMan Wrote: Wow, that sounds like a dental nightmare. Nice reference Roger! I wonder what condition his teeth were. I know during the Civil War, there existed tooth powder for the troops. I also chuckle thinking this: weren't the local dentists also barbers?
I don't know about America, but in Europe people went to barbers and blacksmiths to have teeth torn out. As to Washington's false teeth: they were made of ivory, lead and - human teeth. Former dentists got them from tomb raiders and dealers who searched battlefields.
Going to the blacksmith for dental work? Having false teeth partially made of lead? Boy, are we blessed!
When I came across this picture of Washington's false teeth (displayed at the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore), I recalled this thread. IMO a "must-see". However properly you brushed your teeth this morning - you'll instantly feel the desire to do it again...The ivory is hippopotamus ivory.