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Gum cutting is a cultural practice common among the Kamba, Maasai and other tribes. In this practice, mothers or caregivers use ash stone or coarse sodium bicarbonate stone to rub off the gum pads of a baby until they bleed just when teething is about to happen.
In other cases, sharp objects like razor blades and knives are used to cut the gums and expose the underlying teeth buds. Moreover, it even goes further to mercilessly gorging out of the tooth buds in the gums. In all these cases, the procedures are done without any anaesthesia with the child bearing immense pain.
When asked, most mothers claim that by rubbing or cutting the gums, or gorging out the teeth buds, they prevent the child from constantly suffering from diarrhoea, fever, malaise and restlessness that accompany the teething stage. Most of the caregivers believe the teeth buds are the main cause of the problem.
In other cases, some believe that rubbing or cutting the gums exposes the teeth buds, making them grow faster and relieve the symptoms. Apart from this practice being cruel and merciless, the babies may suffer dehydration and malnutrition. This is because the wounds make it impossible to suckle, drink or eat.
DEATH DUE TO SEPSIS
Several of these children have also died due to sepsis. This happens when the wounds inflicted in the mouth become infected and bacterial infection spreads to the whole body causing sepsis, which is fatal.
It is important to note that it is not the teeth buds that cause symptoms but rather the teething process. Therefore, when a baby is teething, ensure her fingers are clean and provide clean rubber or plastic objects that she can bite on. Dirty fingers or objects provide an excellent opportunity to harbour bacteria eventually causing diarrhoea. In case of diarrhoea, visit your paediatrician for treatment.
Fever and pain can be relieved by analgesics. Topical gels are also available to apply on the gums to lessen discomfort. Rubbing the gums with clean soft clothe dipped in warm salty water will also soothe the gums.
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