How to Make George Washington Smile on the Dollar
Posted Dec 2019
By Delta Dental of Arkansas
Tagged dental treatments, expenses, smile, George Washington’s dentures, bad teeth, George Washington, oral health
How To Make George Washington Smile On The Dollar
Revised February 2020
George Washington does not look happy in his portrait on the dollar bill, but you can make him smile. Delight your co-workers and your kids with this fun trick and share a bit of (oral) history with them, too.
But first, why is he looking so glum?
Nobody really knows, but a common assumption might be bad teeth.
George Washington had trouble with his oral health since young adulthood, mostly likely a product of the dental care at the time. He did make dental care a priority, but his diet and lack of modern dentistry took its toll.
At the age of 24, Washington had his first tooth extracted. At the age of 57, he received his first set of dentures. He would go on to use a three more denture sets in his lifetime. Contrary to popular belief, George Washington’s dentures were not made of wood. He sported sets made from various materials including ivory, brass, gold, human teeth, and animal teeth.
Make George Washington smile with 3 simple folds
- Grab a one-dollar bill and with the portrait facing you, fold it lengthwise through Washington’s left eye. [Scroll down for a picture tutorial.]
- Unfold and make another lengthwise fold through his right eye.
- Make one final lengthwise fold between the two previous folds, like an accordion.
- Keeping the folds intact, pull on the ends slightly so you can see his face.
- Hold the bill slightly tilted upward to see Washington finally sport a smile.
- Smile with George! After all, smiles are contagious.
Interested in more Just for Fun dental-themed crafts?
Explore more dental crafts, especially during National Children’s Dental Health Month each February, such as:
Tooth Fairy Crafts:
Did you know?: Your dollars and your smile are closely connected. The healthier your mouth and teeth, the lower your expenses for dental treatments. Regular dentist visits help spot and treat emerging oral and general health issues, keeping costs down in the long run.
For more dental-themed crafts with oral health in mind, check out Dreams About Teeth Falling Out? A Common Dream Decoded.