Common dental myths in South Indian population - a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT The prevalence of dental misconceptions is significant in modern day. This can be attributed to the contrasting cultural, social and educational exposure of the public. Previous research on dental myths has primarily employed cross-sectional and closed-ended questionnaire methods. However, this study was planned as a qualitative research utilizing open-ended interviews enabling the participants to a greater degree of expression of their opinions and to explore the broader scope of dental myths in practice. Twenty-five participants above the age of 18 years were probed through one-to-one unstructured interviews. The interviews were audiotaped with consent and the transcribed texts were analyzed to identify categories and themes. Manifestations of common dental myths were grouped into five themes namely caries, tooth brushing, extraction, aesthetic care, and primary teeth. This study validated the wide prevalence of dental misconceptions among the public and calls for a combined effort from both patients and dentists to debunk baseless myths and facilitate good oral health care.