About a decade ago in Bombay, this indigenous gadget (photograph) used to be on sale on railway bridges and footpaths. It is also available presently for a price of Rs.5 (10cents approx.).
The appendage that you see in this picture on the extreme left is used for removing the ear-wax. Next one is used as a tooth-pick and also for manicure and pedicure for removing that cuticle from the nail bed for giving it a “clean look”. The third one in the shape of a tong is used as a hair plucker particularly by women folk.
What do you think about the “great” gadget? – It is just horrible! It can cause damage to various tissues and its use needs to be discouraged by all means.
You see cleaning ears by using this “scoop” is dangerous as it cause damage the delicate tissues of the ear. So far toothpick is concerned, we just discourage its use. It is injurious for the dental structures. But we find here in India it is increasingly being considered a fashion to use a toothpick after meals. No, it is not okay-not even those well-carved out wooden tooth-picks. If the teeth and gums are normal, they don’t need a toothpick. And if these is a problem, then we can easily make our problem complex by using these toothpicks. So, it is only prudent to seek professional dental help.
These types of indigenous gadgets are popular in rural areas. One thing which is frightening is that in a household it is being shared by various family members. Now, we can well imagine the potent additional hazards that the sharing of such tooth-picks etc. poses by according an open invitation to deadly diseases like HIV infection, HepatitisB and HepatitisC.
Some ladies even keep this gadget tied with their necklace or some other ornament.
.
