Abstract
This chapter discusses the continued practice of extracting incisors in Cape Town, South Africa. A systematic survey of eight adjoining areas in Cape Town, South Africa, was done to investigate the prevalence, motivation, and possible historical time depth of this practice. Approximately 3500 people were surveyed during this study conducted by means of a questionnaire. Of these 2167 individuals fell within the selection criteria with 41 percent having modified their teeth. More males than females had ablated incisors. Social class had an impact on dental modification practices as the incidence increased within lower-income areas. There were four stated reasons (peer pressure, fashion, gangsterism, and medical/other) for dental modification of which peer pressure (in males) and fashion (in females) were the most popular. Three quarters of the entire study sample had family members with similar dental modifications.
Published Version
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