Non conventional methods for pain relief and oral rehabilitation

Introduction: Cultural factors, beliefs, and educational practices are in conflict with medical and dental practices. There are places where there is substitution of follow-up of the health team for several efficient treatments in clinical practice. The health professional, when taking cognizance of such practices should seek to prevent possible related complications, as well as to devise strategies to guide the individuals about their risks. Objective: To report cases of users of the Unified Health System (SUH) who used non-conventional methods not prescribed by dental surgeons for oral care and prosthetic oral rehabilitation. Results: The cases report behaviors, evidence habits, beliefs and customs of the population of Pernambuco that, although it is a user of SUH, has revealed to use own methods to solve oral needs. Cases 1 and 2 report adornment placement on dental prostheses, using artifacts such as orthodontic bracket and metal studs incorporated into artificial teeth. Case 3 reports the influence of popular beliefs on health care. Conclusion: The population makes use of alternative methods for oral care, especially for the control of dental pain and oral rehabilitation. It is important to consider beyond the difficulty of obtaining public assistance and resolution of the cases, also the contest involved of the population being necessary measures that correct or direct such actions.