Final answer:
George Washington likely didn't smile in portraits due to discomfort from his false teeth and the portrait norms of the time. Dental care is essential for maintaining healthy teeth, which involves regular brushing, flossing, and dentist visits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main answer as to why George Washington didn't smile in his portraits is related to his false teeth. In the 18th century, false teeth were held in place with springs, which could be painful and cause discomfort when eating or talking. Washington's false teeth could have made it difficult for him to smile. Additionally, given the norms of the period, portraits were often serious in nature, and the act of smiling for portraits was not common.In terms of dental care, to maintain good oral hygiene with or without false teeth, it's essential to follow some basic rules. These include brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.Exemplary dental hygiene contributes to overall health and can prevent issues that could impact one's ability to smile confidently, whether they have natural or false teeth.