Abraham Lincoln and the Story of His Teeth

A dental history of the Great Emancipator

Abraham Lincoln
(Smithsonian Institution)

When it comes to presidential health quirks, George Washington’s nightmare of wooden dentures is the stuff of legend. But what about Abraham Lincoln? Did the Great Emancipator have a mouth full of perfectly preserved teeth, or did he endure his own dental disasters?

Turns out, Lincoln’s teeth have their own strange history, and two studies—one by an American dental historian and another by a French medical researcher—attempt to unravel the mystery. Did fluoride-rich water bless Abe with naturally strong enamel, or was he just really good at avoiding dentists? Let’s sink our teeth into this peculiar presidential puzzle.

Dr. Maynard K. Hine, a dental historian and former president of the American Dental Association, published an article in the Bulletin of the History of Dentistry in 1975. In it, he suggested that Lincoln’s dental health was remarkably strong—possibly due to the natural fluoride present in the wells and springs of Kentucky and Indiana. [1]

But can we really credit fluoride for Lincoln’s luck? A French dentist and medical historian, Dr. Xavier Riaud wrote a more detailed look at Lincoln’s actual dental history in his 2018 article in the Journal of Dental Health, Oral Disorders & Therapy. Dr. Riaud suggests a different story—one involving painful extractions, self-administered anesthesia, and a possible phobia of dentists.

Lincoln’s Known Dental History

Lincoln wasn’t entirely free from dental problems. His own words, written to Mary Speed in 1841, describe a particularly gruesome experience:

"Do you remember when I went to this city to get a tooth extracted and it totally failed? This tooth made me suffer once again so badly that a week ago, I had to have it removed, which cost me a piece of the maxilla which came out with it. My mouth is so sore that I can neither talk, nor eat. I only survive with the memory of flavors which is inadequate in terms of nutritious diet." [2]

This account is painful just to read—a reminder of how primitive dental procedures were in the 19th century.

Lincoln endured at least three additional dentist visits:

• In 1856, he had a tooth extracted using an ivory-handled turnkey - a harsh tool used before modern forceps.
• In 1862, while serving as president, he visited Dr. G.S. Wolf in Washington—but rather than accept the dentist’s anesthesia, Lincoln produced his own vial of chloroform, inhaled it, and then allowed the extraction (of course, Lincoln was resourceful enough to handle his own pain relief).
• He purchased at least two toothbrushes, suggesting he had some understanding of oral hygiene. [2]

In addition, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, endorsed a tooth powder in an ad published by the New York Times, suggesting that dental care was valued in their household. [2]

Fact vs. Speculation

While Dr. Hine’s fluoride theory is amusing, Lincoln’s real dental history suggests a different story—one of occasional pain, infrequent visits to the dentist, and a possible phobia of extractions.

The French researcher further noted that Lincoln never smiled in photographs, leading some historians to wonder: Was he self-conscious about his teeth? The article suggests that his solemn expressions had more to do with the long exposure times required for photography, rather than any concern about his dental health.

Lincoln’s diet may have also played a role—he rarely ate sugar, avoided desserts, and never smoked or drank, meaning his teeth may have been naturally preserved without much effort.

So, was Lincoln truly blessed with strong teeth, or did he simply avoid dentists unless absolutely necessary? One thing is clear—when he did have dental problems, he handled them in the most Lincoln-esque way possible: with minimal fuss, maximum self-sufficiency, and just a touch of brutal efficiency.

What do you think? Was Lincoln lucky, cautious, or just very, very tough

This is another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

Mac

Works Cited

[1] McDaniel, C.G. "Historian says...Abe had few dental problems". Alton [IL] Telegraph Newspaper - Wednesday, February 12, 1975. p. A-11.

[2] Riaud X. "Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) and his teeth". Journal of Dental Health Oral Disorders Therapy - 2018;9(1): pp. 30-31.