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Experts warn of misbehaving tooth fairy

Date:
December 13, 2012
Source:
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Summary:
Opinions of the tooth fairy as kind and giving may need to be revised following "mounting reports of less child-friendly activity," according to a new paper.
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Opinions of the tooth fairy as kind and giving may need to be revised following "mounting reports of less child-friendly activity," says a paper published in the BMJ Christmas edition and appearing online today.

Researchers from across London became concerned following misdemeanours of the mythical character and a worrying trend in malpractice. One boy in particular became extremely distressed because the tooth fairy "had put a tooth in his left ear" after he left it under his pillow. Further investigation turned out he was right.

Further supporting their evidence are another two cases showing teeth being found in the esophagus (causing "a trauma situation") and a man who developed an abscess after placing his child's tooth in his nipple piercing so it could be "near to his heart."

The researchers conclude that as there is no clear guidance on how to avoid such complications, they suggest that clinicians have a "high index of suspicion with tooth related presenting complaints."

They add: "As far as we are aware there is no revalidation procedure for the tooth fairy and no clear guidance or standard operating procedures in place to ensure outcomes are avoided."


Story Source:

Materials provided by BMJ-British Medical Journal. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. S. Ludman, H. Daya, P. S. Richards, A. Fox. The tooth fairy and malpractice. BMJ, 2012; 345 (dec13 8): e3027 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e3027

Cite This Page:

BMJ-British Medical Journal. "Experts warn of misbehaving tooth fairy." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 13 December 2012. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121213193147.htm>.
BMJ-British Medical Journal. (2012, December 13). Experts warn of misbehaving tooth fairy. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 9, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121213193147.htm
BMJ-British Medical Journal. "Experts warn of misbehaving tooth fairy." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121213193147.htm (accessed October 9, 2024).

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