[Traditional beliefs and behaviors of mothers and teachers related to oral health of children in rural districts of Qazvin: a qualitative study]

ABSTRACT

Traditional Beliefs as part of people's culture can influence the general wellbeing of communities. In order to promote healthy behaviors, it is important to be aware of people's traditional background. This study was performed to identify beliefs, traditions and practices of mothers and teachers related to oral and dental health of children in the rural Qazvin areas. A qualitative study [ethnographic] was conducted in three villages of Qazvin province. Data was collected through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions. Data was coded and classified according to main study findings. Information was classified into 6 categories tooth eruption and exfoliation, diet and oral health, oral hygiene, dental caries, oral and gum diseases as well as dental trauma. Beliefs such as consuming a great amount of milk can be useful while others like putting un-cooked meat on top of tooth for relief of toothache can be harmful. Beliefs like rubbing onion on the gum during tooth eruption may have unknown or less important outcomes. The identified beliefs, traditions and practices were classified as useful, harmful and unknown effects. It was suggested to organize appropriate training classes for mothers and teachers in order to update their knowledge and improve their behavior regarding the proper oral health care of children based on the findings of this study