Monday, 14th June 2004 (4330 views)

Gold has been featuring in an unexpected place with latest trends seeing the precious metal being placed on teeth.

Tooth jewellery is now the popular accessory in the US, and the latest craze in the body art movement.

Dr. Maria Kunstadter, a dentist based in Kansas City, who invented tooth tattoos, temporary decals for the teeth told LA Daily News: "Every body part has been painted, pierced or tattooed... why not teeth?"

Some of the items last up to 24 hours whilst others can stay on for two to three months, with some claiming they even boost dental health.

However the latest fashion is not a new idea, with anthropologist Michael Coe revealing ancient Mayans used to ground their teeth down and place a jewel where the piece of tooth once existed.

The idea is very popular in Canada and Europe too, with rap stars cited as a key reason behind the trend, showing off smiles set off with gold caps.

It is thought gold "rapper" teeth are more popular with men, whilst the tooth jewels offer an alternative for female customers.

 

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