Gold pegging of teeth was an old cultural practice in the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia as far back as ca. 14th century. It was a sign of beauty, social distinction, and power.

The insertion of gold-pegs in the teeth was not only expensive, but extremely painful. Tiny holes were drilled through the tooth, often damaging the nerves. The holes were then filled with wires of gold which were soldered to form caps like the head of a nail.