Salivary pH and Oral Health Status Among Sugar Cane Farm Workers in Bacita, Kwara State

Occupational exposure to high-sugar environments may predispose workers to altered salivary chemistry and increased dental caries risk. This study assessed salivary pH and oral health status among sugarcane farm workers in Bacita, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Eighty workers employed at the Bacita Sugar Estate were recruited alongside 40 non-farming community residents as controls. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and pH was measured immediately using a calibrated digital pH meter. Oral health status was assessed by a trained examiner using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index. Dietary exposure and oral hygiene practices were documented through questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were applied. Results indicated that sugarcane farm workers had significantly lower mean salivary pH values compared to controls, with 47.5 percent of workers falling below the critical decalcification threshold of pH 5.5. Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth indices were significantly higher among workers. Frequency of sugarcane consumption during work and poor oral hygiene were associated with worse oral outcomes. The study concludes that occupational exposure to sugarcane significantly impacts salivary pH and oral health in farm workers in Bacita. Regular dental screening and oral hygiene education are recommended for workers at the estate. Keywords: salivary pH, oral health, sugarcane, farm workers, Kwara State.