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Oriental’s Dragon needs some new teeth.

During the running of the Dragon on New Years’ Eve, spectators yanked four of her teeth out. No anaesthesia was used. Those close to the annual dragon run down Hodges Street are feeling the pain a few days later.

Susan Cheatham of the loosely organized, Oriental Dragon Society, says it happened around 11:30pm. “The dragon was on her second run and was accosted by a spectator who ripped out a tooth.”

“Then,” Susan recounts, “a frenzy occurred. Everyone saw how easy it was.”

In the end, “She lost four teeth.”

Three of the teeth are gone entirely, whereabouts unknown. One of the four teeth was recovered, Susan says, after someone was seen standing on the side of Hodges Street holding a dragon’s tooth. Susan says that “a discussion” ensued with a dragon volunteer, who got that one tooth back.

Before the attack. The Oriental Dragon on its 8pm run, teeth fully intact. Four of its teeth, mainly from the sides, were torn out a few hours later

The tooth damage capped a night of dragon runs that saw fewer participants but more boisterousness than other years. Several Dragon Run veterans noted afterward that the crowds — even at the first, 8pm run — were pushier than in other years, elbowing in closely to the dragon, seemingly without regard to others nearby. Some spectators stopped the dragon in its tracks to pose for photos with it.

The dragon run has been a four-decade old tradition for Oriental and for the past decade, touching the dragon for good luck has been the practice. What was new this year was the claim (reported in a press account after the dragon run) that specified touching the dragon’s teeth. Dragon run veterans say they never heard of that before.

Also this year, firecrackers were thrown on the ground near the head of the dragon while it was near The Bean. That marked a departure; in past years, the noise accompanying the dragon has been created not by firecrackers but by people clanging pots and pans or anything metallic.

One contributing factor to the behaviour on this dragon run may be that the dragon didn’t have enough of an “advance guard”. Grace Evans says she remembers that years ago, then-police chief Jim Bunn pressed bystanders in to duty to accompany the dragon down Hodges, and the Police Chief himself led the way.

For the next running, next December 31st, Susan Cheatham says, there may be more of an advance guard, perhaps of “ninja people” in keeping with the Asian dragon theme.

Oriental Dragon around 8pm New Year Eve, on its last run before four of its teeth were yanked out.

As for the dragon, some serious dental restorative work will be in order. No photos of the damage are available – the dragon is once again in its private lair — but the teeth are said to have been yanked from the side of the dragon’s mouth.

It’s unclear right now how easily the retrieved tooth and 3 other replacements can be grafted back on to the Dragon’s jaw. The teeth are made of foam. Certain glues can’t be used because they’d cause the foam to disintegrate.

Dentist Elizabeth Cordes of Oriental Dental says she’d be happy to help those who will be trying to render dental care to the dragon. Dr. Cordes’ may bring to the operation equipment different from that used in her Hodges Street practice. “I have a sewing machine,” she says. “ Or I could refer the dragon to a specialist.”

Susan Cheatham says the dragon volunteers welcome ideas on foam tooth restoration or funds to pay for it. Cost is not yet known.

Posted Wednesday January 7, 2009 by Melinda Penkava