The Effectiveness of Chewing Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on Saliva Volume and pH in Children Aged 11-12 Years

Abstract

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health through its cleansing, buffering, and remineralization functions. Children aged 11–12 years are at high risk of dental caries due to the frequent consumption of sugary foods and inadequate oral hygiene practices. Adequate saliva production and stable pH are key factors in preventing caries. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), a plant rich in fiber and sucrose, has the potential to increase saliva volume and pH through mechanical stimulation. This study aims to evaluate the effects of chewing sugarcane on saliva volume and pH in children aged 11–12 years. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The sample consisted of 45 elementary school students who met the inclusion criteria. The intervention involved chewing 50 grams of sugarcane for 5 minutes. Saliva volume was measured using the draining method, while saliva pH was assessed using a pH meter. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon statistical test. The results showed that the average saliva volume significantly increased from 0.94 ± 0.81 mL to 2.41 ± 1.86 mL (p < 0.05). However, the change in saliva pH from 7.07 ± 0.28 to 7.1 ± 0.47 was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, chewing sugarcane effectively increases saliva volume but does not significantly affect saliva pH. Sugarcane has potential as a natural material to enhance saliva production, which can support oral hygiene. However, the sucrose content in sugarcane should be considered due to its potential for bacterial fermentation. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of chewing sugarcane on overall oral health.