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Natal and neonatal teeth myths in a rural Nigerian community

The presence of natal/neonatal teeth in infants is sometimes associated with negative societal attitudes. Literature regarding attitudes and beliefs of residents of Igbo Ora, Nigeria, regarding natal teeth is non-existent. It is therefore important to obtain baseline data to highlight knowledge gaps...

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Published: 2020
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LEADER 00000njm a2000000a 4500
001 oai:repository.ui.edu.ng:123456789/10034
042 |a dc 
720 |a Bankole, O.O  |e author 
720 |a Lawal, F.B.  |e author 
260 |c 2020 
520 |a The presence of natal/neonatal teeth in infants is sometimes associated with negative societal attitudes. Literature regarding attitudes and beliefs of residents of Igbo Ora, Nigeria, regarding natal teeth is non-existent. It is therefore important to obtain baseline data to highlight knowledge gaps regarding natal/ neonatal teeth in infants. To determine the attitudes and beliefs of residents of Igbo Ora to natal/neonatal teeth in infants. A cross sectional study was conducted among 339 women attending dental outreach programmes in Igbo Ora using a pretested 17-item semi structured questionnaire. Over two fifths (48.7%) believed that a natal tooth is seen in an evil child. A third (36.0%) mentioned that the affected child is an embarrassment to the family. Over half (61.9%) were of the opinion that a natal tooth can affect a child negatively. Of these, 104 (49.5%) and 58 (27.6%) stated that the child “would suffer stigmatization” and “engage in strange things” respectively. Mothers of children with natal teeth were usually advised to extract the teeth, 74 (21.8%), hide the child, 74 (21.8%) and perform sacrifices to appease the gods, 69 (20.4%). The belief that a natal tooth is not associated with spiritual consequences increased with higher educational qualification (p < 0.001). This study reveals that knowledge gaps regarding natal/neonatal teeth are present among inhabitants of Igbo Ora. Appropriate health education is needed for the community members particularly targeted at women and the less educated 
024 8 |a https://repository.ui.edu.ng/handle/123456789/10034 
653 |a Child 
653 |a natal teeth 
653 |a neonatal teeth 
653 |a myths 
653 |a misconceptions 
245 0 0 |a Natal and neonatal teeth myths in a rural Nigerian community