Smiles abound at the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore

January 6, 8:40 AMBaltimore Family Entertainment ExaminerMichael Townsend

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The basic tools for dental health.

Kids will love the many interactive exhibits scattered throughout the museum. The world’s only mouth jukebox plays dental cartoons. The MouthPower exhibit allows young visitors to use their own interactive laboratory to get the scoop on the principles of dental health. Oversized mouths are available for the practice of brushing and flossing. Puzzles help youngsters gain an understanding of dental tooth anatomy. They are even equipped with a pint sized dental office complete with child-sized lab coats and X-rays ready for interpretation!

Part of George Washingtons dentures.

History buffs will enjoy a trip upstairs to see George Washington’s not-so-wooden teeth. Indeed, Washington only had one natural tooth at the time he became our first president. His famous “wooden teeth” were actually created from ivory and held in place by a torturous spring mechanism. Legend tells us that chronic dental problems precipitated “frequent outbursts of temper.” In fact, Washington failed to give his second inaugural address due to the discomfort of ill-fitting dentures.

Father of Modern Dentistry

Visitors to the museum will gain a new appreciation for current dental practice after seeing examples of devices commonly used to treat tooth disease throughout most of history. Even Queen Victoria’s gilded dental instruments are on permanent display. After viewing these intimidating tools, the “Father of Modern Dentistry” is celebrated. G.V. Black is credited with establishing contemporary dental standards. He used scientific principles to devise improved methods for treating cavities. He even invented the silver amalgam fillings that dentists still use today.

Dentistry can solve mysteries.