Scientist Debunks Viral Tooth Pain 'Cure' Using Cockroaches
A viral video promoting cockroaches as a traditional toothache remedy has been debunked by scientists, who warn the practice is unsafe and ineffective, urging parents to see dentists instead.
Online commenters have criticized a Facebook video claiming to show a traditional method for treating children's toothaches by rubbing cockroaches on the cheek, with worm-like insects appearing on the child's face. The original poster claimed to demonstrate an ancient remedy and asked followers to explain how the treatment worked and whether it provided relief. After the video spread, most responses condemned the practice as unsafe and incorrect, with people advising parents to take children with toothaches to a dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Social media users also warned that cockroaches are disease vectors that may carry parasites and bacteria, as they typically live in filthy environments like drainage pipes, garbage cans, and areas with rotting food, making them unsuitable and potentially dangerous for medical use. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant, a biology lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science and science communicator, responded on Facebook by identifying the practice as a deceptive "magic trick" designed to fool people into thinking cockroaches were special tooth-eating insects. He advised anyone with toothache pain to seek professional dental evaluation and treatment from a qualified dentist rather than attempting ceremonies or unproven remedies lacking medical evidence.
