Indonesian Teeth Filing Traditions
In Bali, filed teeth mark a significant coming-of-age ritual called “potong gigi.” Young adults undergo this transformative process to smooth their teeth’s sharp edges, believing it tames negative emotions like greed and anger. Hindu ceremonies accompany this permanent modification, with skilled practitioners using small files to reshape the teeth carefully. Families often save for years to afford this important cultural milestone. Local spiritual leaders oversee these sacred ceremonies.
