While it’s easy to think of George Washington as a wooden, historical figure, recent scholarship has shown his humanity – and his dental problems.

Washington lived in considerable pain from his teeth and from ill-fitting dentures. By the time of his second inauguration,Washington had barely a tooth left in his head. His painful dentures caused him to give the shortest inaugural address in history, in part because he did not want to appear weak. And what were his dentures made of? Records show they were made from hippopotamus ivory and maybe slaves’ teeth – but not wood.

Also today, helping your dog during fireworks, visiting national parks and patriotism and why blue is the toughest color to achieve in pyrotechnics.

George Washington faced many challenges regarding his teeth. National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

George Washington’s biggest battle? With his dentures, made from hippo ivory and maybe slaves’ teeth

William Maloney, New York University

As we celebrate the nation's founding, it's a good time to note the heroism of George Washington. The British were a pain, to be sure, but what really caused him trouble were his teeth.

Today’s chart

 
 

Know people who may be interested in The Conversation's stories? Click here to forward this newsletter to them and ask them to sign up at https://theconversation.com/us/newsletter