In Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote," a character named Sancho expresses a poignant metaphor about the value of teeth. He compares a mouth without teeth to a mill that lacks its vital stone, illustrating how essential teeth are for proper function and life's enjoyment. This analogy emphasizes the importance of teeth beyond mere aesthetics or wealth, highlighting their practical significance in daily activities like eating and speaking.

Sancho further argues that a single tooth holds greater worth than a diamond, suggesting that functional, utilitarian objects can surpass luxury items in value. This statement reflects a deeper philosophical perspective on appreciation for the basic necessities of life and the idea that true worth is found in how something serves us, rather than in its monetary value. In this way, Cervantes invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of worth and utility, valuing the ordinary over the extravagant.