A symbol of wealth
As if things could get any stranger, some people would go as far as coloring their teeth brown, or washing them relentlessly with lye soap, in order to fake the appearance of being wealthy.
Since sugar was a luxury available to those of the upper class, they often sported sugar-rotten teeth. This tooth rot was also the result of excessive herbal teas and poor oral hygiene. Despite how unhealthy (and unsightly) this oral condition was, it was still very much a desired symbol of wealth.
