Infant dental enucleation in an East African population in Sweden: a cross-sectional study on dental records

To examine the prevalence of infant dental enucleation (IDE) of primary canines, an East African traditional remedial procedure, in a multiethnic population of children in Sweden.

A cross-sectional study was conducted of dental records of 1133 patients (mean age 4.6 years, SD ± 1.4) attending one public dental service clinic in Sweden. The clinic was located in an area with a large multiethnic community. All were born within the years 2002-2006 and had received a check-up in one of the years 2007-2009. A registry was made of missing primary canines where no reason could be found. In documented cases, information about ethnic origin was extracted. Statistical grouping was made according to known East African ethnicities.

At least 36 ethnicities were recorded. Twenty-four (2.1%) patients were missing one or more canines according to the criteria for IDE. Significant difference was seen when comparison was made between patients of known East African ethnicities, of whom 20.8% (21/101) manifested findings consistent with the criteria, and the rest of the population (3/1032; P < 0.001).

Prevalence of cases suggestive of IDE among patients of East African origin points to a need for increased awareness within dental and healthcare communities.