Cultural Approaches to Children’s Dental Care Around the World
We live in a world of thousands of diverse cultures and different languages. Manmade borders separate our lands. Most importantly, we have differing forms of governance, ways of life, and healthcare that, although practiced in an array of ways around the world, universally aim to help cure the sick and improve our overall well-being.
When it comes to children’s dental care, we may see some practices that pass down from generation to generation, such as some rural communities that rely on using twigs from specific trees to pick their children’s teeth, to those more modern who have adopted electrical toothbrushes to achieve their glimmering smile.
This article explores the different cultural practices and beliefs surrounding children’s dental health and hygiene globally, beginning with Asia, Africa, South America, and North America, and ending with Europe.
Asia
In Southeast Asia, we can see the tradition of ‘oil pulling’. This is a traditional folk remedy practiced in ancient India. When practiced regularly, this ancient practice is believed to cure more than thirty systemic diseases. For those who experience side effects from modern medicines and oral hygiene products, oil pulling is an attractive substitute. It can also have positive effects on overall health.
How to apply oil pulling in children?
In children, a teaspoon of oil is ‘pulled’ and forced between all the teeth by swishing it all around the mouth before breakfast on an empty stomach. Parents need to ensure that the child does not swallow the oil or spit it down the drain, where it will clog the pipes.
For some areas where children suffer from oral ulcers and brushing is difficult, oil pulling may be an advantageous substitute. Traditionally, sesame oil is the preferred oil.
Would you try oil pulling as part of your child’s daily dental routine?
Miswak Stick
A Miswak stick is also a cleaning method in Asian, African, Islamic, and Arabian cultures. The end is often chewed on to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris from the teeth. Dental professionals consider these sticks to be of interest as they contain properties positive for oral health. However, most dentists consider them a supplement and not a replacement for modern oral care methods.
Africa
Africa also applies the Miswak stick. This method is popular for cleaning plaque and improving overall oral hygiene, particularly in North and East Africa. Most people know it for its natural fluoride content and antimicrobial properties. However, oral health is a major public health issue in West Africa, with almost no solutions provided by the government.
How are adolescents affected in Africa?
In most African countries, adolescence, a key period marked by biological, emotional, and social evolution and development, represents a critical period to influence adult oral health.
In West Africa, the adolescent population is disproportionately affected by oral disorders such as gum disease and tooth decay compared to the rest of the world. These issues manifest from the lack of available services, treatment availability, insurance coverage, and oral health knowledge and practices. To combat this, the local regions must improve oral health knowledge, early childhood nutrition, and better social and cultural conditions.
The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” stems from Africa, where community-led child rearing is a known practice. In some African cultures, groups gather together to brush their teeth. This not only promotes good dental hygiene but also strengthens community bonds.
The next time you want your child to brush their teeth, maybe you can make it a family activity and gather together in front of the bathroom mirror before bed! This may combine your family’s overall oral health and social well-being.
Americas
We see a different approach from South America and North America, given the different cultural approaches each part of the continent has.
South America
In South America, we can see a rich history of health practices derived from indigenous tradition and Western dentistry. Indigenous communities often look to natural resources such as the coca leaf, which can numb the gums and offer pain relief. However, due to its stimulating effect, the coca leaf is not appropriate for children’s oral and overall health. Chamomile tea and guava leaves can produce tea that can alleviate toothaches, which could be a healthy and natural substitute for over-the-counter medicine for your child.
North America
In North America, Western dentistry practices are the most popular form of treatment. However, there has been an uptake in more natural remedies and oral healthcare treatments in recent years. For example, many orthodontic centres have started offering therapy dogs as a company for kids and young patients who suffer from anxiety when visiting the dentist. Perhaps the next time you visit your family dentist, you can settle your child’s nerves with a fluffy friend to make sure that you are all smiling from the moment your child sits in the dental chair, to the moment you leave.
Europe
In modern dental practices across Europe, one can find the latest in dental treatments and technologies, from 3D imaging for precision diagnostics to advanced materials for fillings and prosthetics. However, due to the high costs of European practitioners, many Europeans from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the UK travel to Serbia and Spain for treatments that would otherwise cost two to three times more in their home countries. As dentists are often trained in Germany, the UK, and the US, Serbia and Spain can offer high international standards of orthodontic care while offering lower costs.
Similarly, Poland is a favourite among UK and Scandinavian patients, offering 50-70% off home prices. High treatment and poorly implemented health coverage for the child population mean that large swathes of the European population are at risk of long-lasting negative impacts on oral and overall health. As a result, dental tourism has become more popular in recent years.
Natural remedies in Europe
Natural remedies are also present in Europe, particularly in Eastern European countries, where herbal rinses such as sage and mint have been passed down from generation to generation. In Europe, dental professionals advocate for a balanced approach between modern and traditional practices.
Different approaches affect the way we care for kids’ teeth
Despite the tremendous differences in ways of life across the globe, the universal objective of all forms of healthcare is to alleviate sickness and improve overall quality of life. Methods used in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe can be incorporated into your child’s dental routine to ensure they keep smiling for years to come. However, never forget to brush their teeth!
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