Blackening of Teeth and Oral-Hygiene Practices among the Wanchos of Longding District, Arunachal Pradesh

*Corresponding Author: Md Asghar
Department of Anthropology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh-791112
Email:  md.asghar@rgu.ac.in

KEYWORDS Oral hygiene, teeth blackening, Wancho tribe, traditional practices, cultural change

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Changing lifestyle and cultural traditions influence oral hygiene practices. Among the Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, teeth blackening has long been associated with beauty, identity, and social norms, but it is now declining due to modernisation. The present study aims to understand oral hygiene habits among the Wancho tribe with an emphasis on the traditional practice of teeth blackening, including its materials, methods, cultural significance, and changing trends. 
Materials and Methods: A total of 205 participants, including community members, elders, and practitioners, were interviewed using a semi-structured format as part of a qualitative study design. Data were collected through informed consent. 
Results: 80.98% of people use toothbrushes, while 17.56% still use traditional methods like twigs and bamboo. A generational decline was evident in the fact that tooth blackening was mostly seen in older people. Various natural materials like wood tar, charcoal, betel nut, and plant products are used for blackening, reflecting deeply ingrained indigenous knowledge.
Discussion: The study highlights that both traditional and modern practices coexist. Although teeth blackening holds cultural and aesthetic significance, its decline reflects shifting preferences toward white teeth. Potentially dangerous substances like wood tar and tobacco raise concerns, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive oral health awareness programs.

Bengia Pinky Ono¹, Rai Ania¹ and Md Asghar²*

¹Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh-791112
²Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh-791112

DOI-DS:
DOI Link ::

Frontier Anthropology, 2026, 15: 51-57
©Anthropological Society of Manipur

Original Article

Manuscript Timeline
Submitted: April 9, 2026
Accepted: July 10, 2026
Published: August 20, 2026

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