RAAP—056
RĂNG NHUỘM ĐEN
Tooth blackening, known in Vietnamese as răng nhuộm đen, was once widespread across Vietnam and practiced by various ethnic groups, including lowland Kinh communities and many highland minorities. Using plant-based dyes — often mixtures derived from natural tannins and iron-rich substances — individuals stained their teeth a deep black.
The practice signified adulthood, self-discipline, and beauty, and in some regions was associated with proper femininity and social respectability. Blackened teeth could also mark the transition from youth to marriageability. Beyond aesthetics, it was widely believed that the lacquer-like coating helped protect against decay and preserved the teeth. In some cultural interpretations, darkened teeth also distinguished humans from spirits or animals.
Although tooth blackening has largely faded with the spread of Western dental norms and beauty standards in the 20th century, it remains an important record of Vietnamese social history, ideas of beauty, and rites of maturation.
The practice signified adulthood, self-discipline, and beauty, and in some regions was associated with proper femininity and social respectability. Blackened teeth could also mark the transition from youth to marriageability. Beyond aesthetics, it was widely believed that the lacquer-like coating helped protect against decay and preserved the teeth. In some cultural interpretations, darkened teeth also distinguished humans from spirits or animals.
Although tooth blackening has largely faded with the spread of Western dental norms and beauty standards in the 20th century, it remains an important record of Vietnamese social history, ideas of beauty, and rites of maturation.