Community Dental Health
Volume 27, Issue 1, 2010, Pages 60-64

Chewing stick use among African immigrants in West Philadelphia: Implications for oral health providers (Article)

Wadenya R.O. , Lopez N. , Berthold P.
  • a University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, Division of Pediatric and Community Oral Health, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
  • b University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, United States
  • c Division of Health Ecology, Department of Primary Dental Care, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, United States

Abstract

Objectives: To explore tooth cleaning methods used by different groups of African immigrants residing in West Philadelphia and identify reasons for its continued use after migration to the U.S. Methods: Interviews and focus groups facilitated by two dentists of African descent were conducted during two African health fairs held in West Philadelphia. A total of fifty immigrants representing 15 countries volunteered to participate. Results: 100% of the participants used chewing stick in their home countries. 73% who continue its use after migration to the U.S. believe it is more effective as a tooth cleaning device and that it has medicinal value to the teeth, gums and body. Conclusion: Use of chewing stick as an oral hygiene tool persists among different groups of African immigrants after years of residence in the U.S. Oral health providers need to be more aware of alternative health practices used among diverse groups in their communities and determine their value in oral health care. © BASCD 2010.

Author Keywords

Chewing sticks Dental care African immigrants Oral hygiene

Index Keywords

Emigrants and Immigrants female Africa Dental Devices, Home Care ethnology tooth brushing African medicine Article migration Toothbrushing dental device United States Medicine, African Traditional human Humans Philadelphia statistics instrumentation
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77952297736&doi=10.1922%2fCDH_2427Wadenya05&partnerID=40&md5=384bf7d41c55c16e2ec34061466b1896
DOI: 10.1922/CDH_2427Wadenya05
ISSN: 0265539X
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English