Cultural influences on oral health

Culture influences a wide range of factors such as beliefs, customs, values, behaviors and practices which may have significant implications on an individual's oral health. This reflection of the cultural factors on oral health can be seen in the patient's attitude towards oral health practices, use of preventive oral health services and utilization of oral health care. Recognizing cultural differences in terms of oral health and the potential impact of these differences on oral health practices would be of great value to the dental professionals. Understanding these differences will help them to focus on culturally appropriate methods of enhancing the utilization and improving the oral health of various ethnic groups.