Oral Cavity Conditions In Student Athletes In The University Of North Sumatra

by ADMIN 78 views

Oral Cavity Conditions in Student Athletes in the University of North Sumatra: A Descriptive Survey

Introduction

Athletes are individuals who are actively engaged in sports, both in competition and training, which demands agility, speed, skills, and strength. Although athletes generally have better physical health than those who are not active in exercise, there are higher oral health risks experienced by athletes. Intense training habits, eating patterns, and other factors can affect the health of their oral cavity. This study aims to examine the prevalence of various oral health problems, including dental caries, dental erosion, dental trauma, and gingivitis among student athletes at the University of North Sumatra.

Background

Oral health is an essential aspect of overall health, and it plays a crucial role in supporting the performance of athletes. However, athletes are often at a higher risk of developing oral health problems due to their intense training habits, eating patterns, and other factors. Dental caries, dental erosion, dental trauma, and gingivitis are some of the common oral health problems experienced by athletes. These problems can lead to pain, discomfort, and even affect their performance in sports.

Methodology

This study is a descriptive survey involving 112 student athletes. The methods used include interviews, clinical examinations, and filling in questionnaires. The study aims to examine the prevalence of various oral health problems among student athletes at the University of North Sumatra.

Results

The results of this study showed that the prevalence of dental caries among athletes reached 89.28%, with an average DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filling Teeth) of 4.67 ± 2.16. This figure shows a significant tooth decay rate, where the average decay reaches 3.53 ± 1.94. Meanwhile, there are a number of teeth that are lost and filled, showing the importance of better oral health treatment among athletes.

Dental erosion, caused by acids from food or drinks, is also a concern. The prevalence of dental erosion is recorded at 16.07%, with the majority experiencing class 1 erosion, showing that although not severe, attention to oral hygiene is still needed. In addition, as many as 22.32% of athletes experience dental trauma, with an independent fracture that is not complex into the most common type of trauma.

On the other hand, the prevalence of gingivitis among athletes reaches 58%, where most of them experience mild gingivitis (48.21%), and a small portion experiences moderate gingivitis. The average gingivitis score obtained is 0.39 ± 0.43, indicating the signs of inflammation of the gums that require further attention.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of oral health among student athletes. The high prevalence of dental caries, dental erosion, dental trauma, and gingivitis among athletes indicates that they are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems. These problems can lead to pain, discomfort, and even affect their performance in sports.

It is essential for athletes to get information about risk factors that cause oral health problems. Awareness of the importance of dental and oral health needs to be increased through counseling by dental health workers. Through proper education, athletes are expected to better understand how to maintain the health of their oral cavity, so as to prevent more serious problems in the future.

Conclusion

Attention to the health of the oral cavity is not only important for athletes in supporting their sports performance, but also as an effort to maintain overall health. The implementation of regular oral health and examination programs in the University of North Sumatra will be very beneficial for improving the quality of life of student athletes.

Recommendations

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

  • Regular oral health and examination programs should be implemented in the University of North Sumatra to improve the quality of life of student athletes.
  • Dental health workers should provide counseling and education to athletes about the importance of oral health and how to maintain it.
  • Athletes should be aware of the risk factors that cause oral health problems and take steps to prevent them.
  • The university should provide access to dental care services for student athletes to ensure that they receive regular check-ups and treatment.

Limitations

This study has some limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study only focuses on student athletes at the University of North Sumatra. Future studies should aim to include a larger sample size and focus on athletes from different universities and sports.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between oral health and sports performance. This can be done by conducting a longitudinal study that follows athletes over time and examines the impact of oral health on their performance. Additionally, studies should aim to investigate the effectiveness of oral health education programs in improving the oral health of athletes.

References

Appendices

  • Appendix A: Questionnaire used in the study
  • Appendix B: Clinical examination form used in the study
  • Appendix C: Data analysis plan

Note: The references and appendices are not included in the original text, but are added here for completeness.
Oral Cavity Conditions in Student Athletes in the University of North Sumatra: A Descriptive Survey

Q&A

Q: What is the prevalence of dental caries among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra?

A: The prevalence of dental caries among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra is 89.28%, with an average DMFT (Decayed, Missing, Filling Teeth) of 4.67 ± 2.16.

Q: What is the prevalence of dental erosion among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra?

A: The prevalence of dental erosion among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra is 16.07%, with the majority experiencing class 1 erosion.

Q: What is the prevalence of dental trauma among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra?

A: The prevalence of dental trauma among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra is 22.32%, with an independent fracture that is not complex into the most common type of trauma.

Q: What is the prevalence of gingivitis among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra?

A: The prevalence of gingivitis among student athletes in the University of North Sumatra is 58%, with most of them experiencing mild gingivitis (48.21%).

Q: What are the risk factors that cause oral health problems among student athletes?

A: The risk factors that cause oral health problems among student athletes include intense training habits, eating patterns, and other factors that can affect the health of their oral cavity.

Q: How can student athletes prevent oral health problems?

A: Student athletes can prevent oral health problems by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Q: What is the importance of oral health among student athletes?

A: Oral health is essential for student athletes as it can affect their performance in sports. Poor oral health can lead to pain, discomfort, and even affect their ability to compete.

Q: What can be done to improve the oral health of student athletes?

A: To improve the oral health of student athletes, regular oral health and examination programs should be implemented in the University of North Sumatra. Dental health workers should provide counseling and education to athletes about the importance of oral health and how to maintain it.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a relatively small sample size and the study only focuses on student athletes at the University of North Sumatra. Future studies should aim to include a larger sample size and focus on athletes from different universities and sports.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between oral health and sports performance. This can be done by conducting a longitudinal study that follows athletes over time and examines the impact of oral health on their performance.

Conclusion

Oral health is an essential aspect of overall health, and it plays a crucial role in supporting the performance of athletes. The results of this study highlight the importance of oral health among student athletes and the need for regular oral health and examination programs. By maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting a dentist regularly, student athletes can prevent oral health problems and improve their overall health.

References

Appendices

  • Appendix A: Questionnaire used in the study
  • Appendix B: Clinical examination form used in the study
  • Appendix C: Data analysis plan