Hubungan Laju Alir Saliva dengan Performa Mastikasi Berdasarkan Usia pada Pengguna Gigi Tiruan Lengkap

Abstract

Edentulism refers to the complete loss of permanent teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. This condition impacts masticatory function, which can be objectively assessed through masticatory performance. Masticatory performance may be influenced by salivary flow rate, which itself is affected by age. Age is one of the factors that significantly influences both salivary flow rate and masticatory performance. This study aimed to determine the average salivary flow rate and masticatory performance in adult and elderly complete denture wearers at the Dental and Oral Hospital of Universitas Sumatera Utara (RSGM USU), as well as to identify the relationship between salivary flow rate and masticatory performance based on age. This was a descriptive-analytic study with a cross-sectional design involving 20 complete denture wearers, comprising 10 adults (aged 19–59 years) and 10 elderly individuals (aged ≥60 years). Salivary flow rate was measured using the spitting method with sugar-free chewing gum, while masticatory performance was assessed using color-changeable chewing gum and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test with a significance level of p<0.05. The results showed that the average stimulated salivary flow rate in the adult group was 3.18 ± 0.91 ml/min, while in the elderly group it was 2.29 ± 1.29 ml/min. The average masticatory performance score was 3.8 ± 1.14 for adults and 3.4 ± 1.17 for the elderly. A significant correlation was found between salivary flow rate and masticatory performance in both adults (p=0.014) and the elderly (p=0.049). It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between salivary flow rate and masticatory performance based on age in complete denture wearers. Adult patients demonstrated better salivary flow rates and masticatory performance compared to elderly patients.