It was recently suggested that teeth can be a window into their owner's personality and throughout the ages, pearly whites have had a special significance across cultures and continents.
The Incas, for example, laid precious stones such as emeralds into teeth as a method of beautification, although it is not know if this was done before or after death.
Others, such as the Vikings and certain Sudanese tribes, filed and sharpened their teeth in a bid to look menacing in battle.
And for those who believe dental surgeries are a relatively modern invention, think again - in 2006, archaeologists discovered the tomb of an ancient Egyptian dentist and his assistants.
Meanwhile, before toothpaste and toothbrushes became the norm, health-conscious Chinese used to clean their teeth with green tea and twigs.
Finally, many children in the western world leave their baby teeth under a pillow, a practice that has evolved from an 18th century French fairytale. In Vietnam however, it is traditionally for families to throw children's milk teeth over or under their house for good luck.
© 2008 Brafton Inc.
The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.
Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.com’s knowledge.