"Killer" canine removal and its sequelae in Addis Ababa

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Public Health
• Cultural Anthropology

Background:

• Traditional practices, including tooth removal, persist in various communities worldwide.
• Primary canine tooth removal is a practice observed in some cultures, potentially impacting dental development.
• Understanding the prevalence and reasons for such practices is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of primary canine tooth removal in children and adolescents in Addis Ababa.
• To identify the factors and reasons contributing to the continuation of this traditional practice.
• To assess the dental morbidity associated with primary canine tooth removal.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving examination of children and adolescents aged 2-18 years from 300 families in Addis Ababa.
• Dental examination to assess the prevalence of affected primary and damaged permanent canine teeth.
• Questionnaire administered to a subset of 40 families to explore reasons for the practice.

Main Results:

• Fifteen percent of primary canine teeth were affected by the removal practice.
• Seven percent of permanent canine teeth showed damage resulting from this practice.
• Questionnaire data provided insights into the underlying cultural or familial reasons for the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Primary canine tooth removal is a prevalent practice in the studied population, causing significant dental damage.
• The practice continues despite considerable associated morbidity, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive health education.
• Further research is needed to address the underlying determinants and develop effective public health strategies.