In ancient times, black teeth were considered a symbol of female beauty, popular among women of all walks of life for centuries. In Japan, the practice of dyeing teeth black is called Ohaguro.
Dyeing teeth black is a long-standing practice in Japan and therefore, women in the land of Funeral practice this traditional practice and consider it a symbol of beauty.
Not only unmarried women, married people also practice blackening their teeth.
This practice is common among all social classes from geisha and prostitutes to women of the aristocracy.
According to some historical documents, black teeth dyeing was popular in Japan around the Heian period (ie 794-1192).
To dye their teeth black, the ancient Japanese used iron powder soaked in tea or sake. When iron is oxidized, the liquid part turns black.
To reduce the unpleasant smell of this mixture, people add some other ingredients such as cinnamon, anise or clove grass.
Next, the women will drink the mixture and the teeth will gradually turn black. This is done by women every day or every few days to keep the color of the teeth.
Not only a symbol of beauty, the ancient Japanese also believed that dyeing teeth was beneficial for oral health.
The custom of dyeing teeth black is said to have died out by the end of the 19th century.
However, on February 5, 1870, Japan banned the custom of dyeing teeth. At that time, the new standard of beauty for women was bright white teeth. Since then, fewer and fewer women have dyed their teeth black.