title: A tooth ablation custom occurring in the Maldives.
abstract: Not many people would willingly have their teeth drastically filed, ground, chipped away, or even extracted without the use of an anaesthetic. Even fewer would consent to the treatment if the teeth to be involved were the upper incisors and were entirely healthy. The practice of tooth mutilation or ablation has, however, been carried out worldwide since prehistoric times.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Fitton
mesh_terms: D001114:Areca; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D003481:Cuspid / Q000601:surgery*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000601:surgery*; D007195:Indian Ocean Islands; D008297:Male; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D012652:Self Mutilation