Nigerians Turn to Chewing Sticks as Toothpaste Prices Soar

Economic hardship forces Nigerians to abandon toothpaste for traditional alternatives

Amid skyrocketing prices of essential goods, chewing sticks replace toothpaste due to high costs in many Nigerian households. The economic situation has made even basic items like toothpaste unaffordable for the average family, pushing people to turn to traditional alternatives.

For many, spending thousands of naira on toothpaste that barely lasts a couple of weeks has become unsustainable. Mr. Vincent Osamese, a photographer, shared how he decided to return to using chewing sticks in his household after spending N4,000 on toothpaste in just three weeks. The financial strain led him to embrace the traditional practice of oral hygiene that had long been replaced by modern products.

Chewing sticks, often derived from plants with medicinal properties, were once a staple in African oral care. But with the advent of toothpaste, the use of chewing sticks diminished. Now, as chewing sticks replace toothpaste due to high costs, Nigerians are rediscovering their value. Miss Adunni Hungbo, a trader, was shocked to find her preferred toothpaste brand had risen to N2,000—forcing her to switch to chewing sticks. She, like many others, is choosing this affordable alternative, emphasizing that it’s better to maintain oral hygiene with a natural solution than to skip it altogether.

This shift is not just about individual choices but reflects a broader trend driven by economic hardship. Mr. Fehintola Ademide, a plumber, also shared his frustration, highlighting how the rising cost of toothpaste, fuel, and other essential goods is making it impossible for families to cope. He noted that chewing sticks replace toothpaste due to high costs in his household, too, allowing them to save on weekly expenses.

Studies from the National Library of Medicine reveal that chewing sticks, such as those from Garcinia kola and Vitex doniana, possess antibacterial properties effective against a range of harmful bacteria. These natural tools are now being embraced not just for their affordability but also for their health benefits, especially as families look for ways to cut costs.

As chewing sticks replace toothpaste due to high costs, even traders like Maureen Agu have introduced them to their children, despite initial resistance. The return to this age-old practice illustrates how Nigerians are adapting to economic realities by finding practical solutions to maintain their hygiene and wellbeing.