In the mid-20th century, a surprising industry flourished in Cyprus: the production of artificial teeth.
By 1947, the British colonial office revealed that the island exported an impressive 8.3 million sets of porcelain false teeth to the UK.
These teeth, meticulously crafted, were mounted on gold plates or patent pink vulcanite, showcasing both durability and craftsmanship.
The industry was a vital source of employment for Cypriots.
In Larnaca, a factory owned by a Jewish immigrant thrived, employing 350 local workers by 1948.
This factory became a hub for production and innovation, contributing significantly to the Cypriot economy.
The post-war years saw a surge in demand for artificial teeth in Britain. In 1949, with the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS), which offered free dental care, the demand reached extraordinary heights.
To cater to this surge, a remarkable air shipment of 400,000 false teeth was sent from Cyprus to London, illustrating the pivotal role Cyprus played in meeting Britain’s dental needs.
By 1950, the island was exporting an astonishing nine million teeth annually to the UK.
Factories in Britain, such as one in Blackpool, worked tirelessly to process these imports and meet the burgeoning demand for dental prosthetics.
The 1960s brought further diversification to the Cypriot false teeth industry.
As light industry expanded, one factory began producing black sets of teeth to cater to betel-chewing countries in Asia, revealing the industry’s adaptability and global reach.