In rural Thailand, a habit of many, mainly older women,
is to mix a lime-based powder into a paste, spread it on
an ivy-like leaf, and add TON KHUEN – wood chippings
from a certain tree. Then roll it all into a ‘parcel’,
place in the mouth, and chew, before spitting out
the resulting red-stained solution. The teeth also
become stained, and gradually turn black.
Photographs by Kanpirom Srisongnang
SMILE
Bored with pearly whites?
Apply KHIEO MARK twice a day
For that darker look.
TOUGH ON TEETH
Old age is affecting my teeth
No longer can I eat roast beef
The thought of things dental
Is driving me mental
Though false teeth might be a relief
'Love both of these' - I smile, with my mouth tightly shut.
ReplyDeleteand you know i have to ask,, what is the purpose behind the old women chewing on the parcel that blackens their teeth????
ReplyDeletecurrently in the midst of some extensive dental work,, i have to side with the limerick,, would have been quicker, easier and a hell of a lot cheaper to just go 'fake'!!
Fun verse! Thanks for participating in my latest prompt!
ReplyDeleteThanks to:
ReplyDeleteAndy; I'm long overdue at the dentist too.
Paisley; They tell me it's a mild narcotic. When the chewing is finished, they rub their teeth with tobacco to slow down the staining process.
...And a lot less painfu l too, no doubt.
Mad Kane; A pleasure, as always.
I loved this. It was so informative, and your poetry is fun. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Joyce; I try to look on the light side.
ReplyDelete