SOCIAL SUPPORT ABOUT ORAL HEALTH MAINTENANCE AND THE NUMBER OF FUNCTIONING TEETH IN THE ELDERLY (STUDY AT PANTI HARGO DEDALI SURABAYA, 2023)

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Tooth loss is an oral health problem that occurs in many communities, especially among
the elderly and is often caused by tooth decay or caries. Factors that can have an impact on the oral
health of the elderly as a health behavior factor are influenced by social support. Knowing the
relationship between social support for oral health maintenance and the number of functioning
teeth in the elderly at Hargo Dedali Werda Home Surabaya. This study used a cross-sectional
method, purposive sampling technique and a research sample of 34 elderly people. Questionnaires
were used to collect data on social support and observation sheets to check the number of
functioning teeth. The analysis technique used was the Spearman rank correlation test. The average
social support received by the elderly is 20%, and the average number of teeth owned by the elderly
is 8 teeth.. The results of the analysis using the Spearman Rank Correlation test showed a p-value of
0.001 <0.05 which indicated a relationship between social support in maintaining oral health and the
number of functioning teeth in the elderly.There is a link between social support for oral care and
the number of functioning teeth in older people.
Keywords: Social support; Oral health; Number of functioning teeth; Elderly