The Relationship Of Eating Patterns With Caries Experience In Junior High School Students Of The Andreas Christian College Foundation

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Introduction

Dental caries is one of the most common dental health problems, especially among teenagers. This disease is caused by various factors, including unhealthy eating patterns. The relationship between eating patterns and dental caries experience in junior high school students is a crucial aspect of understanding the causes of this disease. This study aims to explore the relationship between eating patterns and dental caries experience in Middle School students of the Christian Foundation (YPK) Andreas.

Methodology

A survey involving 99 students, consisting of 45 female students and 54 male students with an age range of 11-17 years, was conducted to collect data. The data collection was carried out through a questionnaire that gathered information about the types of food, drinks, and snacks consumed for five days a week. The student diet was considered to use a Dental Health Diet Score (DHDS), which includes three components: Food Group Score (FGS), Nutrient Score (NS), and Sweet Score (SS). Meanwhile, caries experience was measured using the DMFT index in accordance with the criteria set by WHO.

Results

The results of the analysis showed the average DHDS student of YPK Andreas Middle School of 57.21, which was classified in the medium category. The average DHDS female student is 53.49, while male students have an average of 60.31, both are also in the medium category. The condition of caries experience among YPK Andreas Middle School students is classified as moderate, with the average DMFT score of 4.18. Interestingly, the average DMFT score of female students is higher, which is 4.80, compared to male students who have an average of 3.67.

Analysis

Kruskal Wallis statistical test results show a significant difference between caries experience and diet of female and male students (p = 0,000). Further analysis through the Chi Square test revealed a significant relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, both in female and male students (p = 0,000). This shows that the better the diet of YPK Andreas Middle School students, the lower dental caries experience. Conversely, poor eating patterns are associated with increasing caries experience.

Discussion

It is essential to pay attention to a healthy diet, especially for students who are in growth. Eating patterns that are rich in nutrients, including vegetables, fruits, and low sugar, not only support dental health but also overall body health. Therefore, schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence.

Conclusion

In order to reduce caries events among students, preventive steps such as education about dental hygiene and healthy eating patterns are very necessary. Dental health programs that involve students, teachers, and parents can create an environment that is more supportive of the health of young people. By understanding the relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, we can try to build better eating habits and ultimately reduce dental problems among students.

Recommendations

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

  • Schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence.
  • Dental health programs that involve students, teachers, and parents can create an environment that is more supportive of the health of young people.
  • Education about dental hygiene and healthy eating patterns is essential to reduce caries events among students.
  • Schools need to provide healthy food options and promote healthy eating habits among students.
  • Parents need to monitor their children's eating habits and encourage them to eat healthy foods.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focuses on junior high school students, and the findings may not be applicable to other age groups. Finally, the study only measures the relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, and does not explore other factors that may contribute to dental caries.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore the relationship between eating patterns and dental caries experience in other age groups and populations. Additionally, research should focus on identifying other factors that contribute to dental caries, such as socioeconomic status, access to dental care, and oral hygiene habits. Furthermore, research should aim to develop effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits and reduce dental caries among students.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of healthy eating patterns in preventing dental caries among junior high school students. The findings of this study suggest that schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence. By understanding the relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, we can try to build better eating habits and ultimately reduce dental problems among students.

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to explore the relationship between eating patterns and dental caries experience in Middle School students of the Christian Foundation (YPK) Andreas.

Q: What is the Dental Health Diet Score (DHDS)?

A: The Dental Health Diet Score (DHDS) is a tool used to measure the quality of a student's diet. It includes three components: Food Group Score (FGS), Nutrient Score (NS), and Sweet Score (SS).

Q: What is the DMFT index?

A: The DMFT index is a measure of caries experience, which is used to assess the severity of dental caries in individuals.

Q: What are the findings of this study?

A: The findings of this study show that there is a significant relationship between eating patterns and caries experience in junior high school students. The study also found that female students have a higher average DMFT score compared to male students.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence. Education about dental hygiene and healthy eating patterns is essential to reduce caries events among students.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a relatively small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The study only focuses on junior high school students, and the findings may not be applicable to other age groups. Additionally, the study only measures the relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, and does not explore other factors that may contribute to dental caries.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include:

  • Schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence.
  • Dental health programs that involve students, teachers, and parents can create an environment that is more supportive of the health of young people.
  • Education about dental hygiene and healthy eating patterns is essential to reduce caries events among students.
  • Schools need to provide healthy food options and promote healthy eating habits among students.
  • Parents need to monitor their children's eating habits and encourage them to eat healthy foods.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to explore the relationship between eating patterns and dental caries experience in other age groups and populations. Additionally, research should focus on identifying other factors that contribute to dental caries, such as socioeconomic status, access to dental care, and oral hygiene habits. Furthermore, research should aim to develop effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits and reduce dental caries among students.

Q: What are the conclusions of this study?

A: In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of healthy eating patterns in preventing dental caries among junior high school students. The findings of this study suggest that schools and parents need to collaborate in building awareness of the importance of healthy eating patterns to prevent dental health problems in adolescence. By understanding the relationship between eating patterns and caries experience, we can try to build better eating habits and ultimately reduce dental problems among students.