Perbedaan Kadar Kalsium Saliva dan Kebersihan Rongga Mulut pada Lanjut Usia Laki-laki dan Perempuan di Desa Suka Maju Kabupaten Deli Serdang

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy as part of the demographic transition has led to a growing elderly population, thereby requiring special attention to various health aspects, including oral and dental health. Age and gender are important factors influencing calcium metabolism, salivary composition, and oral hygiene status among the elderly. This study aimed to analyze differences in salivary calcium levels and oral hygiene status between elderly men and women in Suka Maju Village, Deli Serdang Regency. This study employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The study subjects consisted of 88 elderly individuals residing in Suka Maju Village, Deli Serdang Regency. Assessments included the examination of the calculus index, debris index, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), and analysis of salivary calcium levels. Research results show that salivary calcium levels in elderly men are higher than women. Most of the subjects in both groups had poor oral hygiene. There is a significant difference between salivary calcium levels in elderly men and women (p=0,004), but there is no significant difference in oral hygiene conditions between the two groups (p=0,950).