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Ritual tooth modification among the Baka pygmies in Cameroon
Odonto-Stomatologie Tropicale = Tropical Dental Journal
|March 3, 2016
Summary
Ritual tooth modification among Baka pygmies in Cameroon is a painful practice with no health benefits. Interventions are needed to halt this harmful tradition, while further research into traditional oral health remedies is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Oral Health
- Traditional Practices
Background:
- Ritual tooth modification is an understudied practice.
- The Baka pygmies in Cameroon engage in ritual tooth modification.
- Oral health practices and traditional remedies among this group are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of ritual tooth modification on oral health.
- To investigate teeth cleaning measures and herbal medications used by the Baka pygmies.
- To assess the oral health status of Baka pygmies undergoing ritual tooth modification.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2012.
- Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and intra-oral examinations.
- The Smith and Knight Tooth Wear Index (TWI) was used to determine dental hard tissue loss.
Main Results:
- Fifty-six Baka pygmies with ritual tooth modification (mean age 31) participated.
- Tooth modification, typically between ages 10-15, was often painful.
- Dental hard tissue loss was observed (TWI scores 2-4), and traditional herbal medicines were used for oral health issues.
Conclusions:
- Ritual tooth modification is a painful, culturally significant practice among Baka pygmies with no health benefits.
- Intervention is necessary to cease this harmful traditional practice.
- Further research is recommended on the medicinal properties of plants used for oral health by the Baka pygmies.
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