In some mountainous
provinces in northern Vietnam, some ethnic minority groups consider covering
their teeth with gold fashionable.

In the past, gold
teeth were the sign of the wealth as they were covered with true gold. Now,
they are mainly covered by a golden alloy which is priced only
VND300,000-500,000 ($12-22) per kilo.

With simple tools
and dirty hands, this “dentist” can help the girl

get her “golden smile” after
half an hour.

Everybody, from
young girls to young boys, from old women to

old men, decorate their mouths
with gold teeth.

The price for a
gold tooth is from several thousands of Vietnam dong

to VND200,000-300,000,
depending on the quality.

Le Anh Dung