Description of Infant Oral Mutilation - Traditional healers diagnose tooth worms as the cause of illness in children. - Tooth worms are identified as small, white, developing tooth buds. - Healers use non-sterile tools, like bicycle spokes, to remove the tooth buds. - The procedure is typically performed without local anaesthesia. - The excised tooth buds are shown to parents, resembling worms in appearance.

Harm caused by Infant Oral Mutilation - The practice causes pain and suffering for sick or teething children. - Unhygienic methods can lead to blood infections, tetanus, and the transmission of HIV/AIDS. - In some cases, the procedure can be fatal during or after. - Permanent tooth buds can be damaged or destroyed, leading to lifelong dental problems. - Dental care providers may lack the knowledge and skills to manage the consequences of this procedure.

Geographic extent of Infant Oral Mutilation - Infant oral mutilation has been observed in countries such as Chad, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. - It has also been observed in African immigrants now living in France, Israel, USA, Australia, Norway, New Zealand, and the UK. - Published evidence supports the occurrence of infant oral mutilation in these regions. - A literature analysis with full references is available online.

References - Wordley, J (2003). Infant oral mutilation (PDF). - Ellis, J.; Arubaku, W. (2005). Complications from traditional tooth extraction in South-western Uganda. - Abusinna, I. (1979). Lugbara teeth germectomy of canines for the newborn babies. A magico-religious phenomena in some African tribes. - Iriso, R.; Accorsi, S.; Akena, S.; Amone, J.; Fabiani, M.; Ferrarese, N.; Lukwiya, M.; Rosolen, T.; Declich, S. (2000). Killer canines: The morbidity and mortality of ebino in northern Uganda. - Welbury, R.; Nunn, J.; Gordon, P.; Green-Abate, C. (1993). Killer canine removal and its sequelae in Addis Ababa.

External links - Infant oral mutilation at the United Kingdom charity Dentaid (Medicine portal)