'Ilko dacowo:' canine enucleation and dental sequelae in Somali children

To assess the prevalence of primary canine enucleation and associated dental sequelae in Somali children resident in Sheffield.

Cross-sectional survey.

Somali religious education classes and homework groups, selected primary and secondary schools, and the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield (1998-99).

The target population were all Somali children aged between 4 and 17 years. Subjects were interviewed to obtain background sociodemographic data and an oral examination was performed. The status of the canine in each quadrant was noted, in addition to the presence of any dental anomalies in adjacent teeth. Features indicative of a history of attempted canine enucleation included: absence of primary canines, localized developmental defects affecting primary or permanent canines and lower lateral permanent incisors, and retention of lower primary lateral incisors with distal eruption of permanent lateral incisors.

A total of 260 children were included in the study, comprising 56.5% of the target population. The mean age of the subjects was 9.7 years with an equal male and female distribution. According to the criteria devised, 82 (31.5%) of the subjects were considered to exhibit one or more of the dental features suggestive of a previous history of canine enucleation. There was no significant difference in prevalence according to gender or birthplace (UK, Somalia or another country), but a positive history was greater in subjects whose mother did not speak English. In addition to anomalies involving canines, lower permanent incisors were commonly missing (5.0% of children aged over 9 years).

The suspected continuation of canine enucleation in UK-born Somali children raises important oral health issues. Culturally sensitive education is indicated to discourage this harmful ritual practice.