Story perspectives

2,000-Year-Old Tooth Blackening Reveals Ancient Beauty Rituals

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists in Vietnam found the earliest evidence of tooth blackening dating to 2,000 years ago at the Dong Xa settlement.
The practice involved iron salts mixed with tannin-rich plant extracts, signaling beauty and cultural identity.
Researchers used advanced techniques to analyze tooth samples and confirmed ancient methods matched those used in modern tooth blackening.
The study notes the practice declined in the 1900s due to Western influences.

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Story summary

Archaeologists in Vietnam found the earliest evidence of tooth blackening dating to 2,000 years ago at the Dong Xa settlement.
The practice involved iron salts mixed with tannin-rich plant extracts, signaling beauty and cultural identity.
Researchers used advanced techniques to analyze tooth samples and confirmed ancient methods matched those used in modern tooth blackening.
The study notes the practice declined in the 1900s due to Western influences.