Dental health experts are raising alarms about the growing trend of using unconventional substances such as salt, charcoal, and detergents for brushing teeth. They warn that these practices can cause serious oral health problems, including enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and even broader health complications.
Experts note that economic hardship often drives people to seek low-cost alternatives to toothpaste. However, commonly used substances—like salt, charcoal, baking soda, and even detergent—can be damaging to oral tissues.
Speaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise during a free dental outreach in Yaba, Lagos, organized by the Tooth for Thought Initiative, dentists expressed concern that these harmful habits are widespread and causing long-term damage, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Abidemi Alabi, a dentist and public health advocate also known as Tooth Boy, explained that many Nigerians are unaware of the risks associated with poor oral hygiene. He cited economic challenges, lack of awareness, and harmful traditional practices as barriers to proper dental care.
“People think they are cleaning their teeth, but they are actually causing damage,” Dr. Alabi said. “Using salt may feel clean, but it is abrasive and wears down the enamel. Charcoal, baking soda, and detergents are even more harmful.”
According to Dr. Alabi, frequent use of salt and charcoal can irritate gums, increase tooth sensitivity, and, in some cases, raise blood pressure due to prolonged salt exposure through the gums. While salt may act as a mild disinfectant in small quantities, brushing daily with it can be harmful. “Charcoal is even worse—it is like brushing with sandpaper. Once the enamel is worn, people can experience sensitivity, decay, and eventually tooth loss,” he added.
The Tooth for Thought Initiative aims to bridge gaps in oral healthcare access in low-income areas. The outreach in Yaba offered free dental education, oral examinations, and referrals for subsidized treatments.
“We realised that many people lack awareness about oral health and cannot access care due to cost or distance,” Dr. Alabi said. “Our goal is to provide some level of oral healthcare to everyone, regardless of background.”
The outreach reached over 100 residents, offering oral health education and dental examinations, many of which were the first for these individuals. Patients identified with dental conditions were referred to partner clinics for treatment at discounts of over 50 percent.
“Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Neglecting it can worsen conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Alabi said. He also thanked sponsors and partners, including Nigerian Doctor, Nigerian Dentist, Dr. Torojah Williams, Dr. Ibraheem Akeem, Wizedent Enterprise, Supersmile247 Dental Clinic, and OgaDentist.
Dr. Oluwafemi Okebunmi, dentist and programme manager of the initiative, said misinformation and limited access to affordable care fuel harmful practices. “Poor oral health is a major public health issue that is often overlooked. About 90 percent of human diseases have oral manifestations,” he noted.
He warned against using soap and detergents for oral care, which can irritate the digestive tract and provide no dental benefit. As safer alternatives, he recommended chewing sticks and modern toothpastes containing natural extracts.
Dr. Okebunmi also highlighted common issues like improper brushing techniques, using hard toothbrushes, and neglecting the tongue. “Many people brush only once a day, use the wrong technique, or ignore their tongue. This leads to bad breath, plaque buildup, and gum disease,” he explained.
He advised proper oral care practices, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using soft- or medium-bristled brushes, and using dental floss instead of toothpicks.
“Preventive care is crucial. Many people only visit the dentist when in pain, but tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers can be detected and prevented early through regular check-ups,” Dr. Okebunmi said.
The outreach also offered residents free blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and hepatitis B screenings, reflecting the initiative’s focus on holistic community health.
