Shinan Zhang1, Edward C M Lo2, Chun-Hung Chu2. 1. School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China. 2. Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract
AIM: The aim of the present study was to explore traditional oral health beliefs among the Bulang ethnic minority group in China. METHODS: Eighteen village leaders, chiefs, elders, and seniors in Yunnan, China were assigned to three focus groups for discussion of traditional oral health beliefs. The discussions were led by a facilitator. Transcripts were made, and data were extracted. RESULTS: The focus group discussions on traditional oral health beliefs addressed three themes: (a) the perception of oral health; (b) the impact of healthy teeth (oral health), in that healthy teeth essentially have an impact on physical health, emotions, and social status; and (c) toothache management, which was regarded as tooth decay (dental caries). Blackening teeth was a pain relief method. Blackened teeth were reported to be part of ethnic identity, and considered esthetically pleasing. It also indicated the marital status of women. CONCLUSION: Some Bulang people believed that healthy dentition has no spacing, pain, or functioning problems. Well-aligned dentition was associated with higher social status. Toothaches were considered to be caused by tooth worms. Consulting a monk was another way to manage a toothache. Tooth blackening was considered traditional, and effective for caries prevention.
AIM: The aim of the present study was to explore traditional oral health beliefs among the Bulang ethnic minority group in China. METHODS: Eighteen village leaders, chiefs, elders, and seniors in Yunnan, China were assigned to three focus groups for discussion of traditional oral health beliefs. The discussions were led by a facilitator. Transcripts were made, and data were extracted. RESULTS: The focus group discussions on traditional oral health beliefs addressed three themes: (a) the perception of oral health; (b) the impact of healthy teeth (oral health), in that healthy teeth essentially have an impact on physical health, emotions, and social status; and (c) toothache management, which was regarded as tooth decay (dental caries). Blackening teeth was a pain relief method. Blackened teeth were reported to be part of ethnic identity, and considered esthetically pleasing. It also indicated the marital status of women. CONCLUSION: Some Bulang people believed that healthy dentition has no spacing, pain, or functioning problems. Well-aligned dentition was associated with higher social status. Toothaches were considered to be caused by tooth worms. Consulting a monk was another way to manage a toothache. Tooth blackening was considered traditional, and effective for caries prevention.
Authors: Hollis Haotian Chai; Sherry Shiqian Gao; Kitty Jieyi Chen; Duangporn Duangthip; Edward Chin Man Lo; Chun Hung Chu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390