Influences of Cultural Values Regarding Healthcare on Oral Health Habits
Cultural values play a significant role in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviors toward health care, including oral health habits. Different cultures have unique perspectives on what is essential when maintaining good oral hygiene. These values can shape individuals’ approaches to dental care, exerting a direct influence on their oral health.
Treatment
As an illustration, in specific cultural contexts, a significant emphasis may be placed on traditional treatments and natural remedies for oral health concerns. This inclination could result in individuals depending on homemade solutions, such as herbal toothpaste or oil pulling, instead of pursuing professional dental care. Some Middle Eastern and African cultures have a long tradition of using the miswak stick for oral hygiene (C. L. Jones & Gibson, 2022). The miswak is a teeth-cleaning twig that is culturally significant. Its use is seen as a more natural and sustainable way of maintaining oral health, reflecting cultural values of environmental consciousness.
Nutrition
Cultural values can exert a notable influence on dietary preferences and eating patterns, which are closely linked to oral health. To elucidate, cultures that place a premium on communal dining and traditional cuisine may adopt diets rich in starches and sugars, thereby heightening the likelihood of dental issues like cavities and gum disease (C. L. Jones & Gibson, 2022). Conversely, cultures emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits as dietary cornerstones advocate for improved oral health. For example, in South Asian cultural contexts, such as India and Bangladesh, the widespread practice of chewing betel nuts is deeply ingrained in tradition. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that betel nut usage can discolor teeth and elevate the risk of oral cancer (Lechner et al., 2019). The cultural significance of this practice often prompts individuals to prioritize tradition over potential oral health hazards.
Aesthetics
Moreover, cultural norms can affect the perception of smiling and the aesthetics of oral health. In some societies, having straight, white teeth may be considered a sign of success and attractiveness. This can lead individuals to seek orthodontic treatments or teeth whitening services. In contrast, in cultures where natural teeth imperfections are embraced as a part of one’s unique identity, there may be less pressure to pursue cosmetic dental procedures.
References
Jones, C. L., & Gibson, B. J. (2022). Cultures of oral health: Discourses, Practices and Theory. Taylor & Francis.
Lechner, M., Breeze, C. E., Vaz, F., Lund, V. J., & Kotecha, B. (2019). Betel nut chewing in high-income countries—lack of awareness and regulation. Lancet Oncology, 20(2), 181–183. Web.