Tattooed Gums or Black Gums are a common custom amongst women in West Africa.
Do you know: The tattooing is promoted not only as a sign of beauty but also to maintain good dental health.
Women in West Africa, specifically in countries-like Senegal, believe in order to look more attractive they must tattoo their gums black so as to have a brighter and healthier smile. The gums are tattooed by smearing a black powder made from burning oil and Shea butter, liberally on the gums and then poking them repeatedly with a needle-like instrument to dye them black.
