Jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí: Cultural Practices, Herbal Medicine, and Unintended Impacts on Dental Caries for Children in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines how jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí, an ethnomedical Yoruba construct, shapes dietary behavior. Jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí management often involves sugar avoidance and the use of traditional herbal remedies, practices that may inadvertently reduce childhood dental caries prevalence. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore how culturally embedded beliefs and practices surrounding jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí in Nigeria influence sugar consumption, exploring the possible unintended oral health benefits of these practices for childhood dental caries prevention. A Community of Practice (CoP) framework was adopted to engage 130 stakeholders—including herbalists, caregivers, community elders, and oral health experts—in a participatory exploration of jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí practices, beliefs, and health implications. Through iterative online discussions, literature reviews, and inductive analysis of the scripts of the discussions, the study identified eight themes connecting traditional health systems to oral health outcomes and policy gaps, namely: (1) jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí as a cultural health construct, (2) jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí, sugar avoidance, and dietary practices, (3) herbal treatments and administration practices, (4) use of jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí remedies in children: practices, beliefs, and safety concerns, (5) sociocultural and gendered interpretations, (6) the link between jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí and oral health, (7) tensions and contradictions, and (8) calls for scientific exploration and policy integration. The analysis reveals a cultural-health ecosystem where jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí beliefs shape dietary and medical practices. While reduced sugar intake may indirectly lower caries rates, unregulated herbal remedies pose risks. In conclusion, the study highlights the need to bridge traditional practices with scientific research and public health campaigns to harness potential protective dietary behaviors from jẹ̀díjẹ̀dí-related cultural practices on pediatric oral health in Nigeria and address the potential risks from unregulated herbal remedies.