February 18, 2006
Boomers, we have something in common with George Washington.
Unhappily though, I do not bring particularly good news this February as we think of Washington and keep in mind our famous president’s birthday.
We probably do not share his stateliness, decorum, or stature.
We probably are not as tough and sturdy.
What we do share, much to our dismay, I imagine, is our aging teeth!
The aging process, as Baby Boomers well know, provides unpleasant and nasty surprises along the way.
One of these, the constant deterioration of our bodies, brings us face-to-face with the unwelcome idea that our teeth are, simply put, wearing out.
Washington could have ‘written a book’ about his.
Today, high-tech dentists refer to the repair and restoration of our aging teeth as ‘rebuilding.’
In his time, George would have done more than cross the Delaware to obtain ‘rebuilding’ because he continually sought help for severe dental pain and misery.
He would have loved to have his teeth rebuilt.
‘Rebuilding’ is something of a trendy, new phrase bantered around dental offices to explain what happens when middle-age people find themselves facing numerous root canals and crown procedures.
We must not complain, though, because modern dentistry is virtually pain free and provides amazing cosmetic dental makeovers if one so chooses.
Anyone can have a movie-star smile if you have the time and good dental insurance.
You can have fun while there, too.
You are not buying this, are you?
Could there be such a thing as an enjoyable dental visit?
These days, dentists’ offices are experiential. You get to experience all sorts of things while they drill. One can choose from several distracting options or select them all. Choose a much loved CD playing through earphones to drown out the noise, watch your favorite cable channel with protective eyewear, relax on a vibrating and heated chair for frayed nerves, sink into soft pillows supporting your knees and neck, and inhale calming scents.
Nowadays, going to the dentist is more like going to a spa.
Truly, it can be fun.
Our ancestors, like George Washington, were not so fortunate, and they certainly did not consider dental work enjoyable.
In colonial times, folks were only slightly interested in how long their teeth would last or how good their teeth looked.
They just wanted to be pain and disease free.
Some even carried a well-built set of pliers with them, just in case a painful tooth had to come out.
Horror of horrors!
Pity poor George Washington, who had very bad teeth and was thought to carry pliers everywhere he went, just in case a tooth had to be extracted.
Our first American president could never have imagined modern dental technology, even in his wildest dreams.
Washington just wanted to eat something other than soup.
He was always looking for answers to aid his pitiful teeth and seeking dental help.
He tried everything.
Poor man.
All his life, George apparently suffered from weak and diseased teeth.
George Washington was born on Feb. 22, 1732, something most of us have celebrated every February since elementary school.
Today, students are still regaled with stories about his bravery and determination and marvel at his dignity and solemn demeanor.
One thing is missing, however, in every painting or drawing of George Washington--a smile.
No wonder.
He was not about to smile, since he had no teeth and very poor dentures.
Additionally, historians tell us Washington was in constant pain from infected and abscessed teeth, inflamed gums, and ill-fitting dentures.
Despite, the legend that Washington had dentures made of wooden teeth, none were actually made of wood.
No secret, then or now, that wood rots!
Can you imagine rotten wooden teeth?
Instead of wood, historians tell us his early dentures were made of hippopotamus ivory and human teeth in an elaborate configuration of gold pivots, screws, and wire spirals.
He wore them for his first inauguration in 1789.
He did not smile, nor could he if he had wanted.
Author, Barbara Glover says he skipped his second inaugural address because of dental discomfort. She also explains that his well-known ‘hair-trigger temper’ might have been the result of constant and unrelenting pain. Furthermore, Washington had a long list of illnesses that some suggest may have been caused or worsened by his teeth.
George Washington, born too early for dental wizardry, gets my vote as the toughest figure in American history.
I will never complain about a toothache again.
