Older Adults with Better Oral Health Knowledge Tend to Experience Minimal Tooth Loss

Abstract

Tooth loss in the elderly is an oral health problem that can affect chewing function, speech ability, nutritional status, aesthetics, and quality of life. Low knowledge regarding oral health maintenance is thought to contribute to the high rate of tooth loss in the elderly. This study aims to analyze the relationship between oral health knowledge and the number of tooth losses in the elderly at the ILP Gading Integrated Health Post (Posyandu), Kendung Village, Kedungadem District. The study used an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 45 elderly people selected using a purposive sampling technique. Knowledge data were collected through a questionnaire, while the number of tooth losses was obtained through a clinical examination using an odontogram. Data analysis was performed using the Fisher's Exact Test at a significance level of 5%. The results showed that the majority of respondents had a low level of oral health knowledge (62%) and experienced high tooth loss (82%). The Fisher's Exact Test showed a relationship between oral health knowledge and the number of tooth losses (p = 0.001). It was concluded that elderly people with lower oral health knowledge tended to have higher tooth losses. These findings demonstrate the importance of strengthening oral health education and promotion to increase knowledge and support the prevention of tooth loss in the elderly.

Keywords: knowledge; oral health; elderly; tooth loss