The Most Unbelievable Denture Stories in History and Modern Times

michaelgrishindent
Nov 12
4 min read

A pile of old, yellowed pages with faded text and drawings. The pages are stacked in disarray, creating a nostalgic, antique feel. — Books with stories about denture wearers

Whether you're new to dentures or you've been wearing them for years, a proper fit is essential for comfort, chewing, and even gum enjoyment. At Grishin Denture Specialist, we serve patients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake, offering expert care and affordable dentures in Spokane tailored to your unique needs. If your dentures feel loose or shift while chewing, Denturist Michael Grishin—a trusted denturist near me—can assess your fit and recommend a reline, adjustment, or a brand-new set of dentures in Spokane.

Lost and Found: The Dentures That Traveled the World

Dentures Discovered in the Deep Sea

In 2011, a scuba diver off the coast of Cornwall, England, recovered a set of upper dentures while exploring a shipwreck. Remarkably, the dentures were intact—despite being submerged for decades. Local media reported that the prosthetics had likely belonged to a passenger or crew member lost during World War II. The dentures were preserved and displayed at a maritime museum in Falmouth as part of a broader historical exhibit.

The Case of the Jet-Setting Denture

A Florida man made headlines in 2019 when he accidentally left his dentures on a plane. The airline posted a humorous “missing item” alert on social media, which went viral. Within days, the dentures had traveled from Miami to Houston, then back to Orlando. They were eventually returned to the man—complete with frequent flyer miles awarded as a joke by airline staff.

Stuck in the Throat: Medical Mysteries Involving Dentures

Hidden for Eight Days

A 72-year-old man in the UK underwent minor surgery in 2019, only to discover days later that he had accidentally swallowed his upper denture plate during anesthesia. After complaining of sore throat, difficulty eating, and bleeding, a hospital scan revealed the foreign object lodged in his throat. Surgeons removed the denture without long-term complications.

This case was published in BMJ Case Reports and prompted a change in surgical pre-op protocols, recommending that patients always remove dental prosthetics—even partials—before going under general anesthesia.

X-Ray Surprise

In a similar incident, doctors in India discovered a full set of dentures inside a patient’s esophagus after months of mysterious chest pain and weight loss. The patient had no memory of swallowing the prosthetic. Medical imaging revealed the object embedded behind the trachea, requiring emergency removal.

Dentures and Animals: The Curious Cases of Pet Thieves

Dog Buries Grandmother’s Smile

In 2022, a family in Oregon went searching for their grandmother’s missing dentures—only to find their golden retriever had buried them in the backyard garden. Fortunately, the dentures were intact and cleaned professionally by a local clinic.

Parrot Mimics Voice—With Dentures

In an unusual twist, a pet parrot in Brisbane reportedly began mimicking its owner’s voice more accurately after stealing his partial denture. Local avian experts speculated that the new "resonating surface" altered the bird’s vocal range, producing eerily human-like phrases. The video was widely circulated on TikTok and featured by Australian news outlets.

Famous Historical Denture Legends

George Washington’s Mythical Wooden Teeth

One of the most enduring dental myths in U.S. history is that George Washington wore wooden dentures. In reality, Washington had multiple sets of dentures made from materials such as:

Hippopotamus ivory
Gold
Human teeth
Lead alloy

Records from Mount Vernon and the National Museum of Dentistry confirm that while his dentures were uncomfortable and unsightly, none were made from wood.

Washington's dentist, Dr. John Greenwood, used a spring-loaded hinge mechanism to help the President open and close his mouth, which was often swollen and painful due to dental abscesses.

Denture Disasters in Pop Culture

Live TV Gone Wrong

On a 2003 British talk show, a guest’s dentures fell out mid-sentence during a heated political debate. Rather than stopping the segment, the show’s host turned it into a viral moment. The clip aired worldwide, and the individual was later invited back for a humorous "follow-up" episode wearing a professionally relined denture.

Broadway’s False Tooth Toss

During a Broadway production of The Producers, an actor’s dentures flew out into the orchestra pit mid-song. Unfazed, the actor ad-libbed a line, “There go my royalties!” while continuing to sing. The orchestra retrieved the dentures, disinfected them, and the show continued without interruption. Audience members later described the incident as the most “authentic” performance they’d ever seen.

When Dentures Go Viral

Social media has become a hotbed for hilarious and unexpected denture stories. Videos featuring:

Grandparents misplacing their dentures in the fridge
Dentures dropped into wedding cakes
Prank dentures with neon colors

have amassed millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Some dental professionals, including those in Spokane, WA, use this virality to educate the public about proper denture care—while keeping things lighthearted.

Conclusion

Orange sign for "Orange Flag Bldg."; lists names and businesses. Set against trees and an orange-striped canopy. Cloudy sky.

Dentures aren’t just prosthetic devices—they’re silent storytellers woven into history, humor, and human experience. From lost-at-sea legends to modern viral moments, they’ve shown that even the most practical tools can become symbols of resilience, confidence, and personality. Every pair tells a story—and yours deserves to be one of comfort, function, and pride.

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we help patients across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake create their own success stories through handcrafted dentures in Spokane that fit beautifully and feel natural. Whether you’re new to dentures or have worn them for years, a proper fit ensures better comfort, chewing, and confidence—on and off the page.

If your dentures feel loose, shift unexpectedly, or simply don’t feel like part of you, Denturist Michael Grishin can fine-tune your fit with relines, adjustments, or affordable dentures in Spokane designed to restore both function and peace of mind. Because your smile’s story should always end with comfort—and never another unexpected twist.

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