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Infant oral mutilation - a child protection issue?
S Girgis, J Gollings1, R Longhurst2
1Oral and Maxillofacial Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Head and Neck Surgery Department, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
British Dental Journal
|April 9, 2016
Summary
Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a harmful traditional practice causing severe dental issues and transmitting diseases like HIV/AIDS. Healthcare providers should educate parents and intervene to protect children from this dangerous practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Global Health
- Child Protection
Background:
- Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a traditional practice in some cultures.
- It involves removing healthy primary tooth germs, often due to misconceptions about 'tooth worms'.
- This practice poses significant health risks, including disease transmission and dental malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To raise awareness among clinicians about infant oral mutilation (IOM).
- To highlight the risks and consequences of IOM for children's health.
- To encourage healthcare professionals to inform parents and intervene in cases of IOM.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing reports and clinical observations of IOM.
- Focus on IOM prevalence in African countries and among immigrant populations in high-income countries.
- Emphasis on clinical awareness and child safeguarding protocols.
Main Results:
- IOM is practiced by village healers using unsterile tools, leading to severe complications.
- Reported cases of IOM exist in African nations and among immigrants in countries like the UK.
- The practice is often based on the mistaken belief of 'tooth worms' causing gingival swelling.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must be aware of IOM, especially when treating pediatric patients from relevant immigrant groups.
- Educating parents about IOM risks and consequences is crucial for child safeguarding.
- Dental practitioners and healthcare professionals should actively intervene to prevent future occurrences of IOM.