The mythology of the killer deciduous canine tooth in southern Sudan.

Abstract

In Southern Sudan it is a commonly held belief that the unerupted deciduous canine tooth is injurious to the health of infants and that it causes diarrheal diseases. The teeth are therefore often removed by native extractors in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms of these dangerous diseases. This study examined the prevalence of this practice among babies presenting at a hospital, and examined the health status of the infants involved. The 90 infants in the study had all had at least one deciduous tooth removed, and the great majority were suffering from dehydration, caused by various abdominal diseases. It is clear that an educational campaign aimed at reducing the prevalence of this practice is required.