Social practices in non-conventional oral therapy in the inhabitants of a rural area of Medellín (Colombia)

Introduction and objective: Rescuing popular knowledge in dentistry is important in the current social context. We aim to identify the social practices associated with non-conventional therapy for the treatment of oral diseases used for the inhabitants of a rural area (Medellin) and recognize the influence of the oral tradition. Materials and methods: A Qualitative study with ethnographic perspective was conducted. 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews were carried out in the villages of El Plan, Barro Blanco y Media Luna in Santa Elena during the period 2012-2013. Audio recordings and verbatim transcript were used. A Qualitative content analysis was conducted according to initial and emerging categories of analysis, such as health disease concept, use and effectiveness of non-conventional treatments, oral tradition, among others. Results: Interviewed people consider oral health as part of comprehensive health and from an adequate social exchange; while others continue to regard it as the absence of dental pain. Respondents reported using non-conventional elements such as medicinal plants (Tomato, Yerbamora, etc.) for oral therapy. This use has been influenced by the transfer of knowledge between the community and/or the family. There is not a predilection for the conventional and unconventional therapies although diverse factors should be considered such as opportunity in the access to health services and therapy effectiveness according to previous experiences. Conclusion: Non-conventional treatments remain a therapeutic resource for oral diseases mainly related pain, inflammation and health and they are associated with high social and family tradition.