Traditional Chewing Sticks Make a Comeback as Toothpaste Prices Push Nigerians to Seek Affordable Alternatives
The rising cost of living in Nigeria has pushed many households to revisit traditional practices, including the use of chewing sticks for oral hygiene, as the price of toothpaste has become prohibitively high. Once a staple of modern convenience, toothpaste is now out of reach for many, with even basic brands costing thousands of naira.
For families already struggling to afford daily meals, spending N5,000 on toothpaste that barely lasts two weeks is a luxury they can no longer afford. As a result, many are turning to the more affordable and medicinal alternative of chewing sticks.
Chewing Sticks: A Traditional Solution Revived
Chewing sticks, derived from plants known for their medicinal properties, have been used for centuries in Africa to maintain dental health. Before the spread of modern toothpaste, these sticks were a household necessity. Today, the tough economic climate has brought this practice back into everyday life.
Vincent Osamese, a photographer, shared his experience: “A few months ago, after spending N4,000 on toothpaste in just three weeks, I decided to reintroduce chewing sticks in my household. Initially, my wife resisted, but after a month of buying toothpaste herself, she quickly came around. Now, we use chewing sticks without complaint.”
Toothpaste Prices Too High for the Average Nigerian
Miss Adunni Hungbo, a trader, faced a similar dilemma. “When I found out that my usual toothpaste had jumped to N2,000, up from N1,500 the previous month, I was shocked. I couldn’t afford it. That’s when I decided to buy a chewing stick for N100 instead. It’s been my go-to ever since.”
Despite societal perceptions, many Nigerians are embracing the cost-effective option. “If I didn’t tell you I used a chewing stick, you wouldn’t know,” Adunni added, pointing out that financial constraints have forced her to adapt, even though she lives alone on a modest income of N40,000 per month.
The Struggle to Afford Basic Necessities
The widespread use of chewing sticks highlights the broader struggles Nigerians are facing in the current economy. Mr. Fehintola Ademide, a plumber, expressed his frustration: “How much does one earn that they can spend it all on toothpaste? The government is only focused on generating revenue, without considering how these policies affect everyday people.”
Maureen Agu, a single mother and trader, has also switched to chewing sticks. “I’ve been using them for three months now, and I’ve even convinced my two older children to use them as well. With the cost of everything rising, we have to cut back wherever we can.”
Health Benefits of Chewing Sticks
Apart from their affordability, chewing sticks are backed by science. Studies from the National Library of Medicine and the National Center for Biotechnology Information have found that extracts from common Nigerian chewing sticks, such as Garcinia kola and Anogeissus leiocarpus, have strong antibacterial properties. These extracts are effective against a range of bacteria, including those linked to dental diseases.
In fact, chewing sticks have been shown to combat drug-resistant bacteria, making them a potent tool for maintaining oral health in a cost-effective way.
Is This A Tradition That’s Here to Stay?
As the economic situation worsens, more Nigerians are likely to abandon toothpaste for chewing sticks. For many, this traditional practice is no longer a matter of choice, but necessity.
With prices continuing to soar, the question remains: how long will Nigerians be forced to rely on old ways to survive in a modern world?
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