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It’s been said that the traditional has been around since 1890s and is known as the “El Raton” or “Ratoncito Perez, in Hispanic cultures. While Americans focus just on the tooth fairy, the Spanish tradition incorporates a mouse or rat into the story.
While these more modern tales tell one similar story, if you look further back in history you’ll find that teeth had all sorts of unique meanings. Medieval traditions held that disposing of baby teeth was an essential task unless of course, you wanted to wander aimlessly in the afterlife.
In European folklore, teeth were symbols of protection that warded off bad fairies. Scandinavian warriors believed their prized collection of baby teeth would protect them during war time battles. Others such as Europeans, burned teeth in an effort to ward off curses from witches.
Select Native Americans toss baby teeth onto roofs while chanting for a beaver to bring them stronger adult teeth. Other tribes are known for putting teeth inside of tree trunks with the belief that they will grow straight.
I’m sure the further you look, the odder and more interesting historical beliefs you’ll encounter. While the stories above are just a few great examples of teeth disposal, there’s even more meanings behind the actual growth of teeth. For instance, Tanzanian tribes once said it was bad luck to grow your upper teeth first.
Whatever your appreciation for teeth is, you certainly don’t have to be a dentist these days to want a tattoo of them. Of course, it does make your connection to the design rather easy and meaningful.
While most women are opting for human anatomical teeth tattoos, some are going a bit outside of the box with animal teeth charms for a bit more fun. As a critical part of our lives, and one of the strongest substances in the body, it’s so easy to see why teeth are so important to us. Folklore, magic, pain, traditional, you name it; teeth are attached to some remarkable connections.
Here’s something to chew down on:
The different types of teeth you should know: Teeth are made up of four different types: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth has a specific purpose and is designed to help us chew and break down food.
Incisors: Incisors are the eight front teeth located at the top and bottom of the mouth. They are sharp and pointed, and they are used for cutting and biting into food. Incisors are also used for speaking and forming words.
Canines: Canines are the four pointed teeth located next to the incisors. They are used for tearing and ripping food apart. Canines are also used for gripping food while chewing.
Premolars: Premolars are the eight teeth located behind the canines. They have flat surfaces with ridges that help to grind food into smaller pieces. Premolars are also used for chewing and breaking down food.
Molars: Molars are the twelve large teeth located at the back of the mouth. They have flat surfaces with ridges that help to grind food into smaller pieces. Molars are also used for chewing and breaking down food.
In addition to these four types of teeth, humans also have wisdom teeth, which are located at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, but they can sometimes appear earlier or later in life. Wisdom teeth are often removed if they cause pain or crowding in the mouth.
Leaf tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do leaves mean and symbolize?: The most obvious tooth tattoo meaning is simply that of being a dental hygienist or dentist.
It is a symbol of strength, resilience, and femininity. The tooth tattoo is often seen as a representation of the female spirit and can be used to express a variety of emotions and ideas. The tooth design can also take on meanings of both protection and strength. It is believed that the tooth can protect the wearer from harm and bad luck (just as the rabbits foot does.) This is because the tooth is seen as a symbol of resilience and fortitude. It is believed that the tooth can help to ward off negative energy and bring good luck to the wearer. Teeth inspired ink can also be seen as a reminder to stay strong in difficult times and to never give up. Chew your way through it girl!
Some women simply view the tooth as a huge symbol of femininity. The tooth is often associated with fertility and motherhood, as it is believed that the tooth can help to bring new life into the world. Other girls view it as a reminder to embrace one’s femininity and to celebrate all aspects of being a woman.
From love to joy, sorrow, or any other emotion that the wearer wishes to convey, there’s a lot of hidden messages behind your porcelain whites! My personal favorites: courage, determination, or perseverance. Think about the moment your grind your teeth, and grit through the struggle. It’s that spirit that you must harness to push on forward in life! You truly are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.
