What Is Infant Oral Mutilation (IOM)? A Simple, Clear Explanation, Why It Happens, and How to Protect Your Baby
Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a harmful practice where a baby’s or young child’s gum tissue is cut to remove developing teeth, often due to the mistaken belief it treats illness. This simple guide explains what infant oral mutilation is, why it occurs, the health risks (pain, infection, bleeding), warning signs, and safer medical care options-so parents and caregivers can protect children and seek help early.