Use of traditional plants in management of halitosis in a Moroccan population.

INTRODUCTION: The use of medicinal plants was a very spread therapeutic way. At present, several studies are moving toward this ancestral option, seen the emergence of several bacterial resistance and for the large number of side effects of some synthetic drugs.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to collect and evaluate information on medicinal plants commonly used in five Moroccan cities: Rabat, Salé, Témara, Khémisset, and Tiflet for the management of halitosis.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey; conducted among 171 herbalists. The tool of the study was a questionnaire filled by herbalists. SPSS in its version 13 was used for statistical calculations. Quantitative variables were expressed as a mean and standard deviation. Categorical variables were expressed as numbers and percentage.

RESULTS: Analysis of the results of this study identified 23 plants that are used the most. The herbal knowledge herbalists prescribed on the toxicity of plants and their side effects were appreciated.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results presented in this work allow knowing the plants used by this population. This data could be the basis for experimental and clinical studies to promote the use of natural agents in the treatment of bad breath.