Depok, 12 July 2025 — Oral health is not merely about a beautiful smile; it reflects overall bodily health. Dental and oral health problems among the elderly have become an increasingly important issue, especially with rising life expectancy contributing to a growing aging population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30% of the elderly worldwide experience significant oral health issues, including periodontitis, tooth loss, and oral infections. Similar conditions are found in Indonesia, where 27% of seniors suffer from tooth loss and 35% from periodontal disease, primarily due to poor oral hygiene habits and limited access to dental care.

Among the key challenges faced by the community at Sekolah Lansia Mekarjaya Bahagia are dental and oral health issues such as cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath. These problems are caused by various factors, including a lack of awareness about the importance of oral health, financial constraints, and limited availability of dental care professionals focused on elderly patients in the area.

In response to these real-world challenges, and as part of its commitment to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Trisakti conducted a community service program titled “Education and Training on the Use of Tea Waste as an Eco-Friendly Alternative for Maintaining Dental and Oral Health.” The activity took place at Sekolah Lansia Mekarjaya Bahagia, located in Mekarjaya, Sukmajaya, Depok, on Saturday, 12 July 2025. A total of 33 senior participants, along with the school’s advisors, headmaster, class mentors, and activity facilitators, took part in the program with great enthusiasm.

The event included a presentation on natural ways to maintain oral health, starting with an introduction to the structure of teeth, causes and prevention of cavities, causes of gum disease, proper tooth and gum care (including correct brushing techniques and flossing), and the benefits of natural ingredients—particularly tea waste—for oral health. This was followed by a hands-on training session on how to make eco-friendly mouthwash using used tea leaves as a sustainable alternative for maintaining dental hygiene.

The session was led by Drg. Dewi Ranggaini, S.K.G., M.K.G., FICD, along with team members Drg. Luki Astuti, Sp.Perio, Dr. Drg. Muhammad Ihsan Rizal, M.Kes, Drg. Pretty Trisfilha, M.Biomed, Drg. Johni Halim, M.K.G., Drg. Andrian Nova Fitri, Sp.PM, Emanuel Vania Saputro, S.K.G., Gracia Anindya Dharma, S.K.G., Immanuel Leon Wijaya, S.K.G., Drg. Pricillia Jeannette Arkhadia, M.K.G., and Dwi Wahyu Margono.

Participants responded enthusiastically. “I’m so happy to join this activity. I never knew tea dregs could be turned into mouthwash! It’s cheap, refreshing, and doesn’t sting. I hope there will be more sessions like this in the future,” said one of the participants.

This initiative not only promotes a healthier lifestyle through natural dental care but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing household organic waste. It aligns with Universitas Trisakti’s Green Healthy Life vision and the national Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program.

The activity is expected to serve as a model for interactive, impactful education that can be expanded to benefit broader communities.