Abstract
BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is positively associated with oral, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancers. The tobacco dentifrice is a type of SLT which is applied to the teeth and gums. It is available in different forms which include mishri, gul/gulmanjan, gudhaku, snuff, red tooth powder, and creamy snuff. This qualitative study aims to explore the opinions and beliefs associated with the harmful effects of tobacco dentifrice use. METHODOLOGY: Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted among tobacco dentifrice users visiting a dental hospital. The data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti software 8. RESULTS: A total of 11 codes and six categories were generated which comprised of the reason for the initiation, awareness of health effects, perception of oral tobacco application, perception of quitting, the reason for continued use, and use in society. Family, peers, access to the product, curiosity were important factors to initiate the tobacco dentifrice use. Participants believed in the myth that tobacco dentifrice was beneficial for the teeth, gums, and bowel movements. The participants considered tobacco dentifrice to be less harmful than other forms of tobacco. However, some participants were aware of its adverse effects on health and have tried to quit in the past. None of the participants had taken any professional help for quitting. CONCLUSION: There were strong beliefs and myths among the participants that tobacco dentifrice was beneficial for oral and general health. There is a need to create awareness and improve the standard of the health warning of such products.