Strange Inheritance Season 2 Episode 12 Teeth That Won WWII

In Strange Inheritance season 2 episode 12, titled "Teeth That Won WWII," viewers are taken on a journey to discover the story behind a unique artifact from World War II. When a retired dentist named Jim Peskin inherits a collection of human teeth from his father, who was a dentist during the war, he is initially unsure of what to do with them. However, as he delves deeper into the history of these teeth, he uncovers a remarkable tale of bravery, ingenuity, and sacrifice.

The episode begins by introducing Peskin and his father's collection of teeth, which are stored in a series of small glass vials. Peskin explains that his father had spent many years in the military during World War II, serving as a dentist and often working in field hospitals. Over the years, he had collected teeth from soldiers who had lost them during the war, either to injury or as a result of dental work.

Initially, Peskin is unsure of what to do with the teeth. He acknowledges that they are a strange and macabre artifact, and he worries that they might be seen as disrespectful to those who lost their teeth during the war. However, as he begins to research the history of the teeth and the men who lost them, he becomes increasingly intrigued by the story behind them.

As Peskin delves deeper into the history of the teeth, he discovers that they played a crucial role in the war effort. During World War II, many American soldiers had poor dental hygiene, which led to a number of dental problems. This, in turn, made it difficult for them to eat and maintain their overall health. In fact, poor dental health was considered to be a significant barrier to military readiness.

To address this issue, the military began a massive dental health campaign, encouraging soldiers to take better care of their teeth and offering free dental services to those who needed them. However, despite these efforts, many soldiers still lost teeth during the war. Without proper dental care, these missing teeth could have caused significant problems for the soldiers, making it difficult for them to maintain their health and fight effectively.

To address this problem, dentists like Peskin's father began collecting teeth from soldiers who had lost them. These teeth were then repurposed to create replacement teeth for soldiers who needed them. This was a remarkable example of wartime ingenuity, as it allowed dentists to provide vital dental care to soldiers in the field, without the need for expensive dental equipment or supplies.

As the episode progresses, Peskin uncovers more and more stories of these teeth being used to help soldiers during the war. He learns of one dentist who used teeth to create dentures for soldiers who needed them, and another who used them to create makeshift bridges and other dental appliances. These stories are a testament to the resourcefulness and bravery of the dentists who served during World War II, as well as the sacrifices made by the soldiers they served.

Throughout the episode, Peskin struggles with the question of what to do with the teeth. He acknowledges that they are a strange and unusual artifact, but he also recognizes their historical significance. Ultimately, he decides to donate the teeth to a museum, where they can be used to educate future generations about the ingenuity and resourcefulness of those who served during World War II.

"Teeth That Won WWII" is a fascinating and engaging episode of Strange Inheritance. It offers a unique perspective on the history of World War II, focusing not on the battles and strategies, but on the small acts of heroism and ingenuity that helped to win the war. Through the lens of a collection of human teeth, viewers are able to glimpse the remarkable story of the men and women who served during World War II, and the sacrifices they made to keep their fellow soldiers healthy and safe.