Western people like white teeth (except the British). Though the Japanese have lagged behind in dental care teeth whiting procedures are the most popular cosmetic procedure in Japan. Funny how things used to be quite different…

So way back in ‘traditional’ old time Japan, white teeth were gross. Very gross. When you picture a beautiful lady standing next to a samurai, wearing a long flowing kimono you should also try picturing here with black stained teeth. Oh yes. Stained black teeth.

You see during the Heian period white teeth were ever so ugly and reminded people of mealworms. So the ladies of the time used various roots and inks to stain their teeth black.

Be happy you didn’t live in feudal Japan.