Is Ohaguro Still Practiced Today? - NewMouth (2025)

The practice of teeth blackening, or ohaguro, has a deep and complex history worldwide. While it was initially jarring to many Western cultures, understanding its roots will allow us to appreciate it more.

What Is Ohaguro?

While Japan’s ohaguro may be the most famous, it was far from the only place teeth darkening occurred. The practice was widespread throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and smaller groups in Africa and South America.

Why did this unique beauty ideal pop up independently so often and in so many different places? There are a few leading theories:

• Many cultures associated plain white teeth with beasts. Blackening them was a way to show they were civilized.
• In places where the main food was acidic or sugary, the blackening process actually sealed the teeth a bit, protecting them from decay.
• Often, teeth blackening was a coming-of-age ritual. It marked a girl as becoming a woman or a boy becoming a man.

The Evolution of Ohaguro

Teeth blackening existed in Japan as far back as the 8th century. It was likely used by high-ranking people, possibly as both a status symbol and a primitive dental treatment.

During the Heian period, ohaguro became associated with female beauty. The pale skin, long hair, and black teeth were the look of choice for aristocratic women.

The trend evolved throughout history, with its popularity fluctuating among different groups. Ohaguro transitioned from a fashion statement embraced by all to a symbol of marital status primarily adopted by women, even seeing a short-lived period of experimentation among men.

However, during the Meiji era, the Japanese government banned ohaguro. This ban was part of Japan’s efforts to modernize and Westernize the country. While some, especially older women in rural areas, still practice it, it has mostly faded.

Cultural Significance of Ohaguro

The deep black color has a distinct symbolism in the Japanese context, particularly in the visual arts and culture scene. It’s associated with tradition, mystery, power, and dignity.

Ohaguro, therefore, reflected these themes, becoming a tangible expression of cultural values in Japanese society. It functioned as:

A Beauty Standard

Perhaps most notably, blackened teeth represented an ideal of beauty. The practice was particularly prevalent in the Edo period, complementing the stark white makeup prevalent at the time.

It provided a striking and visually dramatic contrast. The inky black teeth were thought to enhance the wearer’s overall fairness and femininity.

A Coming-of-Age Ritual and Marital Marker

Blackening one’s teeth was a symbolic transition, marking adulthood and changing social standing. In the Heian period (794 to 1185), boys and girls would blacken their teeth once they reached maturity.

More predominantly, though, it became associated with married women, visually communicating their new status to society.

A Class Indicator

Not everyone in history partook in ohaguro. The practice was traditionally associated with both the aristocracy and the samurai class. Therefore, blackened teeth could act as an immediate signifier of social status.

A Protective and Practical Measure

In addition to its aesthetic uses, ohaguro was believed to have served a practical purpose. The iron in the solution used to create the black color was thought to help strengthen the enamel.

In a period with more limited oral care options, this protective benefit would have been important.

Ohaguro in the Modern Age

The decline of ohaguro, a once-common practice, reflects the ever-changing nature of beauty standards. As Western ideals spread worldwide, white teeth became the dominant symbol of attractiveness, replacing traditional esthetics.

This transformation highlights how social and cultural influences shape beauty standards. However, a renewed interest in ohaguro has emerged as part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Though mainly confined to ceremonial settings like traditional theater or geisha practices, this revival shows how seemingly obsolete customs can regain relevance. It demonstrates the powerful link between cultural identity, memory, and age-old practices.

Is Ohaguro an Outdated Tradition or a Reflection of Heritage?

The revival of ohaguro raises questions about preserving fading traditions⁠—should they be maintained by a few practitioners or evolve into symbolic roles?

Ohaguro and similar practices spark discussions on the best ways to honor and transmit cultural heritage. These discussions celebrate the diversity of human experience and challenge a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty.

The story of teeth blackening is not simply about an outdated tradition. Ohaguro reflects the shifting sands of time, the interplay of global trends, and our complex relationship with heritage.

Understanding such practices helps us gain a richer appreciation of specific cultures. It also challenges our assumptions about beauty, identity, and the ways in which cultures evolve over time.