Perbedaan pH, Laju Aliran, Kadar Ion Kalsium, dan Ion Fosfat dalam Saliva pada Lansia di Panti Jompo Yayasan Taman Bodhi Asri

Abstract

Aging causes physiological changes and a decline in salivary gland function, which can affect the pH, flow rate, and levels of calcium and phosphate ions in saliva. Aim: to analyze the differences in pH, flow rate, calcium ion levels, and phosphate ion levels in saliva between young adults and the elderly. Methods: this study employed a descriptive-analytic design with a cross-sectional approach, involving 40 participants (20 young adults and 20 elderly individuals). Young adults were aged 18-30 years, while elderly individuals were aged 60-80 years. Saliva was collected using the spitting method, followed by measurement of pH and flow rate, as well as determination of calcium and phosphate ion levels using a spectrophotometer. Data analysis was conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney test, and Pearson correlation. Results: the average pH and saliva flow rate were higher in young adults than in the elderly, with significant differences observed (p<0.05). Calcium ion levels were found to be higher in the elderly compared to young adults, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Phosphate ion levels were lower in the elderly than in young adults, but the difference was also not significant (p>0.05). The relationship between pH and saliva flow rate with calcium and phosphate ion levels in the elderly was found to be non-significant. Conclusion: age affects saliva pH and flow rate but does not significantly influence calcium and phosphate ion levels.