Throwing away a broken tooth won’t bring bad luck—just a cleaner house!
How widespread is the taboo?
Across many African communities, people believe that tossing a broken tooth in the trash invites bad luck, illness, or even toothaches in the future. Some even suggest throwing it on the roof or burying it instead—because, of course, teeth need special VIP treatment!
Why does it exist?
- Fear of the unknown: Teeth are part of the body, so people think they hold spiritual power.
- Coincidence: If someone throws away a tooth and later faces a problem, the blame goes to the tooth.
- Cultural traditions: In some cultures, baby teeth are buried or thrown on roofs for good luck.
What is the impact of the myth?
- Unnecessary fear: People worry over something that has no scientific basis.
- Poor dental care: Some keep damaged teeth instead of seeking treatment.
- Superstition over science: The real concern should be why the tooth broke, not where it ends up!
How can we combat the myth?
- Use humor: “If bad luck comes from throwing teeth away, dentists must be the unluckiest people alive!”
- Educate on real dental health: Broken teeth can be a sign of decay—see a dentist, not a traditional healer.
- Encourage hygiene: Trash belongs in the bin—including broken teeth!
Bottom line?
Throwing away a broken tooth won’t change your luck, but ignoring dental issues might. So toss it guilt-free and visit your dentist instead!