Description

Culture is defined as learned behavior which has been socially acquired. It plays an indispensable role in human society. It lays down norms of behavior for personal and social survival of an individual. Cultural factors are deeply involved in all the affairs of man, including health and sickness. Keeping the oral cavity clean is a culturally ingrained practice. This practice of maintaining good oral health varies from one region to the other according to culture. For example, some culture use common salt, charcoal, fine sand, mishri etc. to clean teeth while the other use fresh frayed twig, animal hairs. In some culture cleaning of teeth, gum massage is also carried out with materials like alum powder. In some culture tongue is scraped with medicinal twigs after brushing and in some, it is barred. Some cultural oral practices like tongue piercing, lip piercings, tongue and facial scarring are considered as a fashion statement and in some, a bridal art. This book provides a brief account of various culture related oral health practices, being followed in different parts of the world.