Taboos in Dentistry: Silence, Stigma, and the Path to Openness

"Taboos in Dentistry: Silence, Stigma, and the Path to Openness" is an insightful exploration of the hidden cultural, emotional, and professional barriers that influence how societies perceive oral health. The book uncovers how dental care, often seen as a routine aspect of health, is shaped by unspoken fears, shame, and deeply ingrained superstitions. It traces these taboos from ancient beliefs about teeth as symbols of power and identity to the modern stigma surrounding dental diseases, missing teeth, and cosmetic procedures. By doing so, it reveals how silence around oral health can discourage early treatment, perpetuate inequality, and create emotional distress for patients.The narrative examines the dentist-patient relationship, highlighting how power dynamics and fear of judgment can prevent honest communication. It addresses the influence of gender and sexuality on oral health perceptions, showing how societal norms sometimes create discomfort or embarrassment in seeking care. Cultural rituals, superstitions, and community attitudes toward dental treatments are analyzed to show their continuing impact on access to and acceptance of oral healthcare.

Autorentext

Dr Supurna Pandit is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public Health Dentistry at Subharti Dental College and Hospital, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Klappentext

"Taboos in Dentistry: Silence, Stigma, and the Path to Openness" is an insightful exploration of the hidden cultural, emotional, and professional barriers that influence how societies perceive oral health. The book uncovers how dental care, often seen as a routine aspect of health, is shaped by unspoken fears, shame, and deeply ingrained superstitions. It traces these taboos from ancient beliefs about teeth as symbols of power and identity to the modern stigma surrounding dental diseases, missing teeth, and cosmetic procedures. By doing so, it reveals how silence around oral health can discourage early treatment, perpetuate inequality, and create emotional distress for patients.The narrative examines the dentist-patient relationship, highlighting how power dynamics and fear of judgment can prevent honest communication. It addresses the influence of gender and sexuality on oral health perceptions, showing how societal norms sometimes create discomfort or embarrassment in seeking care. Cultural rituals, superstitions, and community attitudes toward dental treatments are analyzed to show their continuing impact on access to and acceptance of oral healthcare.