Use of traditional medicine for oral conditions in rural Sri Lanka.

Objective: To assess the utilisation of traditional systems of health care for oral conditions among rural adults in Sri Lanka.

Setting: A rural agricultural area in Sri Lanka.

Participants: 603 adults aged 45 years and above.

Method: The data were collected by means of an interviewer administered questionnaire.

Results: Overall, 89% reported ever using a health care facility to obtain care for their oral problems and 18% had used a traditional system of health care for the same. Of those who had used a traditional system of health care, 72%, 3% and 25% had used Ayurvedic, Unani and folk medicines respectively. Of the total sample, 56% had used a home remedy for his/her oral condition. Ayurvedic treatment was mainly used for treating toothache and gum disease. Age emerged as the only socio-demographic variable that was associated with the use of traditional systems of medicine for oral conditions. Many individuals were aware that traditional medicines could be used as a cure for oral conditions.

Conclusion: Traditional medicines are still used for treating common oral conditions in rural Sri Lanka. Cultural beliefs and lack of confidence in western type dental care were common reasons for using traditional medicines for oral conditions.