Level Of Health Knowledge Of The Oral Cavity And Periodontal Disease In Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 137 views

The Level of Health Knowledge of the Oral Cavity and Periodontal Disease in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra: The Need to Increase Awareness

Introduction

Oral health is an integral part of general health, and periodontal disease is one of the main diseases of the tooth and mouth that has the potential to cause serious complications for systemic health. As doctors, they are expected to play an active role in increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining the health of the oral cavity. This study aims to reveal the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Background

Oral health is a critical aspect of overall health, and periodontal disease is a significant concern worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and damage to dental support tissue, which can lead to serious complications for systemic health. As medical students, it is essential to have a good understanding of oral health and periodontal disease to provide effective care to patients. However, the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students is often inadequate, which can lead to inadequate care and treatment.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive research design with a cross-sectional approach. Online questionnaires were randomly distributed to students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease, including the function of interdental aids, use of mouthwash, importance of routine visits to the dentist, and causes of gum bleeding.

Results

The results showed that the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra was in the majority in the medium category. This finding implies the need for a more intensive educational program to increase their understanding of this topic.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the need for a more comprehensive educational program to increase the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students. Some important aspects that need special attention in the health education of the oral cavity for medical students are:

Function of Interdental Aids

It is essential to emphasize the role of interdental aids such as dental floss and interdental toothbrushes in cleaning food scraps and plaque that sticks between the teeth. This is an important step in preventing periodontal disease. Medical students need to understand the importance of using interdental aids regularly to maintain good oral health.

Use of Mouthwash

Education about the type and function of the right mouthwash can help students in maintaining the health of the oral cavity. The use of the right mouthwash can help control plaque and bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Medical students need to understand the importance of using mouthwash as part of their oral hygiene routine.

The Importance of Routine Visits to the Dentist

Students need to understand the importance of routine visits to the dentist every 6 months for scaling and dental and oral health checks. This is very important in preventing periodontal disease and identifying oral health problems from an early age. Medical students need to emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups to their patients.

Causes of Gum Bleeding

It is essential to increase student knowledge about the main causes of gum bleeding, which is one of the early signs of periodontal disease. They must understand that gum bleeding is not normal and must be addressed immediately. Medical students need to understand the importance of identifying and addressing gum bleeding early to prevent periodontal disease.

Conclusion

By increasing the knowledge and awareness of medical students regarding the health of the oral cavity and periodontal disease, it is hoped that they can become agents of change in increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining the health of the oral cavity. This will have a positive impact in improving the quality of life and health of the community as a whole.

Recommendations

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

Develop a more comprehensive educational program to increase the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students.
Emphasize the importance of interdental aids, mouthwash, and routine visits to the dentist in maintaining good oral health.
Increase student knowledge about the main causes of gum bleeding and the importance of identifying and addressing it early.
Encourage medical students to become agents of change in increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining the health of the oral cavity.

Limitations

This study has some limitations, including:

The study was conducted only in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, and may not be generalizable to other medical schools.
The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of oral health knowledge.
The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Develop a more comprehensive educational program to increase the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students.
Conduct a longitudinal study to capture the dynamic nature of oral health knowledge.
Conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive educational program in increasing the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendices

[Appendices, including additional tables and figures]

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Level of Health Knowledge of the Oral Cavity and Periodontal Disease in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Q: What is the importance of oral health knowledge in medical students?

A: Oral health knowledge is essential for medical students as it enables them to provide effective care to patients and prevent oral health problems. Good oral health knowledge can also help medical students to identify and address oral health issues early, which can prevent more serious complications.

Q: What are the main causes of periodontal disease?

A: The main causes of periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics. Other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to the development of periodontal disease.

Q: What is the role of interdental aids in preventing periodontal disease?

A: Interdental aids such as dental floss and interdental toothbrushes play a crucial role in preventing periodontal disease. They help to remove food scraps and plaque that stick between the teeth, which can cause inflammation and damage to the gums and bone.

Q: How often should medical students visit the dentist for routine check-ups?

A: Medical students should visit the dentist every 6 months for routine check-ups. This can help to prevent oral health problems and identify any issues early, which can prevent more serious complications.

Q: What is the importance of using mouthwash in maintaining good oral health?

A: Using mouthwash can help to control plaque and bacteria that cause periodontal disease. It can also help to reduce bad breath and gum inflammation.

Q: What are the main causes of gum bleeding?

A: The main causes of gum bleeding include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and genetics. Other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to gum bleeding.

Q: How can medical students become agents of change in increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining good oral health?

A: Medical students can become agents of change by educating their patients about the importance of maintaining good oral health. They can also participate in community outreach programs and advocate for policies that promote good oral health.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has some limitations, including the fact that it was conducted only in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, and may not be generalizable to other medical schools. The study also used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of oral health knowledge.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to develop a more comprehensive educational program to increase the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students. A longitudinal study can also be conducted to capture the dynamic nature of oral health knowledge.

Q: What are the implications of this study for medical education?

A: This study highlights the need for a more comprehensive educational program to increase the level of health knowledge of the oral cavity and periodontal disease in medical students. Medical education should include more emphasis on oral health and periodontal disease to prepare students for the challenges of clinical practice.

Q: What are the implications of this study for public health?

A: This study highlights the importance of maintaining good oral health for overall health and well-being. Public health initiatives should focus on promoting good oral health practices and increasing awareness about the importance of oral health.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare policy?

A: This study highlights the need for healthcare policies that promote good oral health practices and increase awareness about the importance of oral health. Healthcare policies should also focus on increasing access to dental care and promoting preventive oral health practices.

Note: The Q&A article is in markdown form, and the questions and answers are formatted in a clear and concise manner. The article provides additional information and insights into the study and its findings.