History of Dentures

The history of dentures is a very interesting one. In previous centuries, many people including the wealthy did not have access to modern dentistry and teeth were lost regardless of class. The only difference was the type of false teeth people of various classes could have access to. In the history of dentures, the wealthy could get replacement teeth or ivory while the poor either had to go without or settle with teeth made from simple wood. Otherwise, dentures were very hard to attain and were available only for the wealthy. For the poor, it was gruel and other soups that would ease the gums if one could not get access to dentures. Dentures were also made of porcelain and horse teeth. The history of dentures was not a comfortable one regardless of class as they were cumbersome and regularly came loose.

Because of the turbulent history of dentures, many just went without teeth which explain why non-solid foods such as gruel or soups were popular in previous centuries. During the Napoleonic wars, it was reported that soldiers were instructed to pry teeth from the fallen to make brand new sets of dentures for the living toothless. One of the most famous wearers of dentures was George Washing. Contrary to popular belief, his teeth were not made of wood or deer antlers, but most likely a combination of real teeth including hippo and ivory teeth. Despite access to such high-class dentures, they rotted quickly and became lose when chewing and required quick replacing.