Traditional oral health beliefs and practices of Bulang people in Yunnan, China. Issue 1 (7th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Shinan; Lo, Edward C. M.; Chu, Chun‐Hung
• Is Part Of: Journal of investigative and clinical dentistry. Volume 9:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-07-07
• Subjects: caries -- China -- health belief -- health practice -- minority; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Mouth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Mouth Diseases -- Periodicals; Tooth Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/jicd.12281
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-1618

Abstract

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.