Cultural Beliefs and Oral Health Practices in Rural KwaZulu-Natal: Bridging Tradition with Modernity through Perspectives of Traditional Health Practitioners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v80i09.21644Keywords:
Traditional health practitioners, cultural belief, oral diseases, oral healthAbstract
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the second largest province in South Africa, is home to the Zulu nation, whose culture is deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, including health practices. Oral health, although essential to overall health, is often influenced by cultural beliefs and practices in rural communities. While modern oral care such as brushing with fluoride toothpaste and visiting a dental professional regularly is widely promoted in urban areas, rural areas in KZN still rely on indigenous methods for maintaining oral
hygiene and treating dental problems. These traditional practices reflect both practical solutions and spiritual beliefs.
This qualitative study explored how rural KwaZulu-Natal’s oral health practices are shaped by cultural traditions, the role of traditional health practitioners (THPs), and modern dentistry and the challenges of integrating the two.
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