Self-reported oral health problems among agricultural workers in rural California

Objective: To describe current self-reported oral health problems of adult non-migrant agricultural workers. Methods: To assess oral health concerns, home-based personal interviews were conducted with adults in randomly-selected households in rural Mendota, California (Fresno County) as part of a larger, population-based environmental health study. Adults with at least one child under age18 years living at home were included in the dental study. Results: Mean age of the 327 adults interviewed was 36.7 years; 68% were women, and 72% were born in Mexico. The majority, 86%, reported they currently needed dental treatment and 12% had never been to a dentist. 26% reported having toothache/pain. The most frequently reported oral health symptoms were tooth sensitivity (61%), followed by bleeding gums (44%), dry mouth (32%), difficulty in chewing (28%), having broken teeth (27%), loose teeth (14%), and abscessed teeth (14%). Self-perceived oral health status was reported as poor or fair by 84% and excellent, very good or good by 16%. Oral health worsened in the past year for 37% of those reporting fair/poor vs 6% reporting better oral health; it improved for 10% and 24% in these two groups respectively (p<0.001, Linear-by-linear association). Furthermore, adults with all of the above symptoms (except bleeding gums and broken teeth) were significantly more likely to report their current oral health as being worse compared to 12 months ago (p<0.05). Conclusions: Agricultural workers bear a significant burden of dental disease and there is a need to address their dental symptoms. Supported by: USDHHS/NIHU54DE14251, NIOSH2U50OH007550-06, California Endowment.