Effects of the Use of Chewing Stick (Massularia acuminata) and Toothbrushing on Bad Breath

Volatile sulphur compounds are common causes of halitosis. Halitosis is a common cause of psychological distress for patients. Relieving patients’ psychological trauma experience helps to improve the quality of life of such individuals. It is also important that medical interventions are available, accessible, and affordable for clients. Mouthwashes are effective ways of reducing halitosis. They however, come at a significant cost for many Nigerians who expend huge out-of-pocket expense to access health care. Chewing sticks as an oral hygiene tool is not only cheap but also accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate for use. If Massularia Acuminata is found to be effective in reducing the concentration of oral sulphur compounds, it can be advocated as a cost-effective and sustainable oral hygiene tool for the control of halitosis. It may also be processed for commercial use as a mouthwash.Aim: To determine the effect of Massularia Acuminata chewing stick on intra-oral VSCs concentration, tongue pH, and other clinical parameters with routine toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste. Primary Objectives:1. To determine the differences in the baseline and post-intervention intra-oral VSC concentration among study participants who use toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste in addition to Massularia Acuminata for 3 weeks.2. To compare the baseline and post-intervention intra-oral VSC concentration in study participants who use only toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and those who use toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste in addition to Massularia Acuminata after 3 weeks.3. To determine the differences in the baseline and post-intervention intra-oral tongue pH among study participants who use toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste in addition to Massularia Acuminata for 3 weeks.4. To compare the baseline and post-intervention intra-oral tongue pH in study participants who use only toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste, and those who use toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste in addition to Massularia Acuminata after 3 weeks.