Teeth blackening
Teeth blackening is usually done during puberty. It was done to help keep the teeth into old age. This is because it prevents tooth decay in ways similar to modern dental sealants. It was seen as a sign of maturity, beauty and civilization. Teeth blackening is often done with traditions of tooth sharpening and dental evulsion. It was also done with other body modification customs like tattoos. Teeth blackening and filing were seen as strange by early European explorers and colonists.