Calcium ions in saliva play an important role in the process of remineralization of tooth enamel

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 134 views

The Effect of Salivary Calcium Levels on the Formation of Calculus in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis at H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital

Introduction

Chronic kidney failure (GGK) is a medical condition that has a significant impact on the health of the oral cavity. Patients who experience GGK often undergo hemodialysis therapy to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, and release metabolic residual products. During the hemodialysis process, calcium levels in saliva can increase. In this context, poor oral hygiene quality can worsen the condition, causing a buildup of tooth calculus. Calcium ions in saliva play an important role in the process of remineralization of tooth enamel, and calcium functions to protect teeth by strengthening the structure of the jaw and teeth themselves. However, under certain conditions, calcium can also affect the formation of calculus in the oral cavity.

The Importance of Oral Health in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients

Dental and oral health conditions are very important for patients with chronic kidney failure. The health of the oral cavity does not only affect the quality of life, but can also affect the patient's general welfare. Maintaining oral hygiene is a challenge, especially for those who undergo hemodialysis therapy, where the frequency and quality of saliva can change. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the formation of calculus, which can cause periodontal problems if not treated properly. Calculus, which is a dental plaque that has hardened and has re-mineralized, can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, worsen the health condition of dental teeth, and has the potential to have an impact on the patient's systemic health.

The Role of Calcium in Saliva and Calculus Formation

Calcium functions important in the process of dental remineralization, but an increase in calcium levels that are not balanced with good oral care can trigger the formation of calculus. Calcium ions in saliva can affect the formation of calculus, and high levels of calcium in saliva can lead to the formation of calculus. This is because calcium can contribute to the hardening of dental plaque, making it more difficult to remove and increasing the risk of calculus formation.

Methodology

This study aims to investigate the effect of calcium levels in saliva on calculus formation among chronic kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan. The study involved 30 patients who came to the hemodialysis installation, where salivary sampling was carried out using the drooling method into the pot that had been provided. After that, the patient's tooth calculus is examined using the Ramfjord modification calculus index method. Saliva that has been collected is then analyzed in the USU Faculty of Pharmacy Research Laboratory to measure the concentration of calcium ions through the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method.

Results

Data analysis using the Pearson test shows a significant relationship between salivary calcium levels and the formation of calculus in hemodialysis patients (p <0.05). Hemodialysis patients who have a high Ramfjord modification calculus index value also show high calcium salivary levels. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a strong relationship between calcium levels in saliva and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.

Conclusion

Through this study, it is expected that health workers, especially dentists and nephrologists, can better understand the interaction between oral health and chronic kidney disease. With better information, preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of calculus formation and other dental problems in patients with chronic kidney failure. It is essential for GGK patients who undergo hemodialysis to not only focus on managing their kidney disease but also implementing a good oral hygiene routine. Education about the importance of dental and oral care, as well as monitoring calcium saliva levels, must be an integral part of patient care in the hospital.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Health workers, especially dentists and nephrologists, should be aware of the importance of oral health in patients with chronic kidney failure.
GGK patients who undergo hemodialysis should be educated about the importance of dental and oral care.
Monitoring calcium saliva levels should be an integral part of patient care in the hospital.
Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of calculus formation and other dental problems in patients with chronic kidney failure.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, and further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
The study only investigated the relationship between salivary calcium levels and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis, and further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between other factors and calculus formation.

Future Directions

Future studies should investigate the relationship between other factors and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. Additionally, further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study and to investigate the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of calculus formation and other dental problems in patients with chronic kidney failure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Salivary Calcium Levels on the Formation of Calculus in Chronic Kidney Failure Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Q: What is the relationship between salivary calcium levels and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis?

A: The study found a significant relationship between salivary calcium levels and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. High levels of calcium in saliva can lead to the formation of calculus, which can cause periodontal problems if not treated properly.

Q: Why is it important to monitor calcium saliva levels in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis?

A: Monitoring calcium saliva levels is essential to prevent the formation of calculus and other dental problems in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. High levels of calcium in saliva can contribute to the hardening of dental plaque, making it more difficult to remove and increasing the risk of calculus formation.

Q: What are the consequences of poor oral hygiene in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis?

A: Poor oral hygiene can lead to the formation of calculus, which can cause periodontal problems, inflammation, and infection of the gums, worsen the health condition of dental teeth, and have the potential to have an impact on the patient's systemic health.

Q: How can patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis prevent the formation of calculus?

A: Patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis can prevent the formation of calculus by maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and monitoring calcium saliva levels. Additionally, education about the importance of dental and oral care, as well as preventive measures, should be an integral part of patient care in the hospital.

Q: What is the role of dentists and nephrologists in preventing the formation of calculus in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis?

A: Dentists and nephrologists play a crucial role in preventing the formation of calculus in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis. They should be aware of the importance of oral health in patients with chronic kidney failure and provide education and preventive measures to reduce the risk of calculus formation and other dental problems.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the need for further studies to confirm the findings and investigate the relationship between other factors and calculus formation.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the effect of salivary calcium levels on the formation of calculus in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis?

A: Future studies should investigate the relationship between other factors and calculus formation in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis, and further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study and to investigate the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing the risk of calculus formation and other dental problems in patients with chronic kidney failure.

Q: How can patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the formation of calculus?

A: Patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis can maintain good oral hygiene by:

Brushing teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Flossing once a day to remove food particles and plaque
Rinsing with mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen breath
Visiting a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Monitoring calcium saliva levels and adjusting their oral hygiene routine accordingly

By following these tips, patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis can maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the formation of calculus.