Filing teeth to points - Practical, or poor dental practice?

[Wulf]

I'm just starting the final book and we're introduced to the "not-quite Aiel" with mysterious powers.  If I have to guess, I'd assume the Aiel's practice of sending their male channelers alone to attack the dark one's place of power has been ill-advised, but we'll find out.

 

More importantly, why the hell would anybody file down their teeth into points?

 

Sure, it's threatening, but imagine living like that.  Unless they leave a few molars unfiled, then maybe I could see adapting to it.

 

But really, even smiling would hurt like hell with all the cold air rushing over the exposed tooth.  And forget about ever eating ice cream again.

 

Do they have super toothpastes to reduce sensitivity?

 

How often do the tiny little toothpoints snap off?  Especially if you try to bite a person/trolloc/steak with them.

 

Can they pronounce a "th" sound or does it come out all weird?

[solarz]

RJ got this from real world practices:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_tooth_sharpening

 

It's really just aesthetic.