Teeth Whitening or Teeth Blackening?

Asia is a land full of weird and wonderful customs and rituals. Throughout the continent there are literally thousands of different traditions that remain alive to this day and these customs often stem from religious beliefs that have been faithfully upheld for thousands of years.

A strangely interesting custom that is often misunderstood is the Vietnamese ritual of tooth blackening or tooth lacquering. Tooth blackening is not total uncommon for those Vietnamese people living traditional lives, nevertheless many tour guides still tell tourists the blackening is the result of chewing betel nut.

While this seems very strange to us, Americans have habits that may seem strange to outsiders. Smoking stains teeth badly and can hinder the mouth's ability to heal small lesions.

Of course, many Americans work diligently to whiten our teeth. I wonder what these tribes people would think of some of our cultural practices? Makes you wonder, huh? I personally think a bright healthy smile is universally beautiful!

Debbie Johnson
Brian D. Johnson , D.M.D
1240 Upper Hembree Road
Suite C
Roswell, GA 30076
770-993-9809
http://www.brianjohnsondmd.com/