[Mothers’ responses to teething in children in Ferlo, Senegal]

Tooth eruption is a process that begins in infancy and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. This complex phenomenon induces systemic disorders requiring specific management. The objective of this study was to identify the therapeutic responses to teething in children in Ferlo, Senegal.

This qualitative study focused on mothers of teething children (infants and young children). Information was collected by individual interviews (20 persons) and two focus groups (six persons/group) concerning the symptoms and signs of teething, the first-line solution in the presence of such signs, the type and form of prevention and the mother's psychological aspects during this period.

The methods used by mothers to treat signs of teething were incantations on strings of knots, amulets, plants and various hard objects such as coins, cowry shells, or wild donkey teeth.

These methods responded to the mothers' concerns to prevent and treat the signs accompanying teething. However, mass communication sessions may be necessary to encourage visits to the dentist to improve the management of complications.