Analysis pH (Potential of Hidrogen) Saliva Child Stunting with Not Stunting in Hulu Sungai North District, South Kalimantan Province

Metty Amperawati (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Naning Kisworo Utami (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Bunga Nurwati (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Rasuna Ulfah (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
isnawati (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Siti Sab'atul Habibah (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Danan (Department of Dental Health Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)
Hammad (Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Banjarmasin)

Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA (JPPIPA)
Vol 11 No 1 (2025): January

Dental caries remains a major public health concern, particularly among children, with various factors influencing its development, including nutritional statusThis study examines the relationship between stunting and saliva pH as a risk factor for dental caries in children. Conducted in Hulu Sungai Utara District, South Kalimantan Province, it involved 121 elementary school students through total sampling. Data collection included height-for-age measurements to classify stunting and saliva pH analysis using a digital pH meter. Statistical analysis via the Mann-Whitney U test revealed that stunted children had significantly lower saliva pH (mean: 5.794) compared to non-stunted children (mean: 6.927), with a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05). These findings suggest that stunting may impair salivary gland function, leading to decreased saliva pH and increased susceptibility to dental caries. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve dental health and nutrition in stunted populations.