Rotten Teeth Were a Sign of Nobility
Today, healthy white teeth are seen as a sign of good hygiene. But in the 16th century, blackened or rotten teeth were actually fashionable—because they meant you could afford sugar. At the time, sugar was an expensive luxury, and consuming it was a status symbol.
Queen Elizabeth I was known for her decayed teeth, and people of lower status even darkened their own teeth to mimic her look. It’s a strange twist on beauty standards that shows just how far people will go to appear elite.
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