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In News of the Weird, A Parrot Extracts a Deciduous Tooth

A viral video shows a parrot skillfully extracting a child’s loose tooth, leaving onlookers amazed. While intriguing, experts warn of health risks for birds involved in such activities.

Dental professionals may have just met their most surprising colleague yet — a parrot. A video filmed in Foshan, China, has gone viral, showcasing a parrot’s unusual skill: removing a loose baby tooth. In the clip, a young boy brings the bird close to his open mouth, allowing it to grip the wobbly tooth with its beak. With a swift motion, the parrot extracts the tooth and neatly drops it into a nearby hand, sparking astonishment among viewers.

While this display highlights the parrot’s dexterity and intelligence, it raises concerns within the veterinary and dental communities. Parrots are known for their strong beaks and problem-solving abilities, but experts caution against encouraging such behavior. Human saliva contains bacteria that can be harmful — or even deadly  — to birds, making this practice risky for the animals involved.

Interestingly, the concept of animals assisting with oral health isn’t new. In the wild, Egyptian Plovers clean crocodiles’ teeth, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship between species. However, professionals emphasize that trained dental practitioners — not pets — should manage oral care. Click here to read more.

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