Description of Saliva Viscosity in Underweight Toddlers among 3-5 Years at Silo II Health Center Working Area Jember Regency

Abstract

Background; Underweight is a health issue as one of the causes of infant mortality. UNICEF states that underweight contributes to more than one-third of the 9,2 million children under 5 years old, which succumb to death. Underweight toddlers have the potential to increase the risk of dental caries and disrupt the growth of salivary glands, leading to a decreased saliva flow rate. In underweight children, the lack of nutrition during the growth period can have a permanent impact on salivary glands and result in high saliva viscosity. Objective: This research was conducted in the working area of Silo II Community Health Center in Jember Regency, with the aim of examining the characteristics of saliva in underweight toddlers aged 3-5 years, especially about salivary viscosity. Material and Methods: A total of 161 toddlers were the subjects of the study, and saliva was collected using the unstimulated spitting method, followed by the measurement of saliva viscosity using an Ostwald viscometer. Results: The research findings indicate that underweight toddlers have high saliva viscosity with an average of 15,72 cP. Analysis based on age variables shows that 3-4-year-old toddlers have the highest average saliva viscosity (15,77 cP), while based on the severity of underweight, toddlers categorized as severely underweight have the highest average saliva viscosity (17,15 cP). Conclusions: In conclusion, the condition of saliva viscosity in underweight toddlers in the operational area of Puskesmas Silo II indicates high values, attributed to the insufficient intake of nutrients during the growth period..