Virtual Booth

Oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and halitosis are prevalent both globally and locally, with the World Health Organization stating that 3.5 billion individuals are impacted by oral diseases and the Department of Health indicating that 87% of Filipino students experience dental caries. Although commercial mouthwashes are effective, their expense and chemical ingredients restrict accessibility and elevate safety issues. This research presents ORACLOME: a DIY mouthwash created from citrus peels and cloves, an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option that employs repurposed orange and lemon peels, cloves, xylitol, baking soda, and peppermint oil. The preparation was made via infusion and evaluated for sensory characteristics (color, scent, flavor) and its efficacy in alleviating bad breath, with findings contrasted against commercial mouthwash. Results indicated that ORACLOME offered a natural citrus-clove scent, pleasing taste, and extended freshness (50–60 minutes) compared to commercial alternatives (30–40 minutes). Participants rated it favorably for accessibility and effectiveness, although a few recommended enhancing the flavor. In summary, ORACLOME shows promise as an eco-friendly, affordable, and community-oriented oral care option, tackling both health and environmental issues. Upcoming research could improve its formulation to boost taste, prolong shelf life, and aid small-scale production for broader community application