The Dental Therapists Registration Board of Nigeria, DTRBN, have declared that the use of Chewing stick is just as good as toothbrush in cleaning the mouth.
The board also Okayed some other traditional tools for maintaining oral hygiene in Nigeria, adding that the traditional tools are not only efficient but medicinal.
Speaking with Good Health Weekly, The Acting Registrar of DTRBN, Mrs. Mercy Ojo said; “We recommend chewing sticks like Pako Ewuro or Pako Orogbo that act as cleaning agents and remove the coat on the tongue. These chewing sticks are known to motivate pregnant women to eat and act as an appetizer.”
She further mentioned that a certain “’Pako Ayan’ cleans the teeth and arrests the Sickle Cell Anemia in those affected. Pako Emigbegiri cleans the teeth and it is not advisable for ulcer patients. Pako Ijebu and Pako Ibo clean the teeth, make it whiter and it serve as an appetizer while Pako Meyinro cleans and strengthens loose teeth. It also helps to reduce periodonties while Pako Dudu or Pako Pupa cleans teeth but discolours it.”
Speaking further on Oral hygiene and maintenance of proper oral hygiene, the Acting Registrar said; “Ideally, you should just flush your mouth with water when you wake up in the morning and do the brushing of your teeth after breakfast to keep your mouth clean and with fresh breath for the rest of the day.
“But because many people may forget to do that after the meal or may not feel comfortable, the idea of brushing first thing in the morning comes in. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after breakfast.”
She also warned against not brushing last thing at night as she noted that it provides a breeding ground for microorganisms like bacteria to destroy the teeth through their actions on left over food particles in the mouth.