Uses of Natural and Traditional Medicine and difficulties for its application in dentistry

Abstract

Introduction: the incorporation of Natural and Traditional Medicine into dental practice has broadened the scope of therapies for oral and maxillofacial disorders. However, difficulties are still found for its application. Objectives: describe some aspects of the application of Natural and Traditional Medicine by dentists from the municipality of Playa and identify the difficulties perceived for its application. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2012 based on a dedicated questionnaire applied to 88 dentists from the municipality of Playa, Havana, Cuba. The variables studied were years after graduation, specialty, master's degree, application of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment, therapies most commonly used, difficulties for their application and recommendations to improve their use. Results: from the overall study sample, 58.0 % were professionals with 1 to 20 years' experience after graduation, whereas 60.2 % were General Comprehensive Dentistry specialists. 97.7 % stated they made use of Natural and Traditional Medicine in dental treatment. The therapy most commonly employed was phytotherapy (80.7 %). 62.5 % said that insufficient knowledge about these therapies was a difficulty, and 35.2 % recommended to implement courses about them. Conclusions: almost all surveyed dentists said they included Natural and Traditional Medicine in their dental practice. The main difficulties cited in its application were lack of knowledge about these therapies and non-availability of the resources required in dental consultation offices.

Keywords

• medicina natural y tradicional
• aplicación
• estomatología
• odontología.