Dental beliefs, behaviors and health status among Pacific Asians and Caucasians

Abstract

A sample of 50 Caucasians and 46 Pacific Asians were asked to describe their beliefs regarding the causes and consequences of dental disease. The relation among dental beliefs, behaviors and oral health status was examined for each ethnic group. Although Caucasians had more accurate knowledge, they reported fewer health behaviors and had poorer oral health than Asians. Asians knew little about dental disease, but were motivated to maintain their teeth by a concern for esthetics, social acceptance and pain. The findings indicate that important cultural differences exist in dental behaviors, and are related to knowledge and motives.