The Importance of Mothers in Maintaining Dental and Oral Health

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 115 views

The Level of Knowledge about Malocclusion in Productive Age Mothers in Telagah Village, Langkat Regency: A Positive Picture

Introduction

The rapid economic changes in Indonesia have had a significant impact on various aspects of life, including lifestyle, eating patterns, environment, and health systems. One of the areas that have been affected is dental and oral health, including malocclusion. Malocclusion, which refers to the improper alignment of teeth, can affect the aesthetics, interfere with the function of the oral cavity, and reduce the quality of life. As a result, it is essential to understand the level of knowledge about malocclusion among the population, particularly among mothers who play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their family's dental and oral health.

The Importance of Mothers in Maintaining Dental and Oral Health

Mothers have a significant influence on their children's behavior, including their oral health habits. As a result, it is essential to educate mothers about the importance of maintaining good dental and oral health, including preventing malocclusion. Malocclusion can have a significant impact on a child's self-esteem, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to educate mothers about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of malocclusion.

Methodology

This study used a descriptive method with a questionnaire survey approach adapted from a questionnaire used by health workers at the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences & Rural Dental College, Loni, India in 2014. The questionnaire was designed to assess the level of knowledge about malocclusion among productive age mothers living in Telagah Village, Langkat Regency. A total of 59 mothers participated in the study, and the results showed that the good level of knowledge about malocclusion in productive age mothers in Telagah Village reached 84.7%.

Results

The results of the study showed that the majority of the mothers had a good level of knowledge about malocclusion. This is a positive indication that the educational program on oral health, especially related to malocclusion, has been effective in the region. However, it is essential to note that knowledge alone is not enough to guarantee healthy behavior. Further research is needed to assess the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion.

Discussion

The high level of knowledge about malocclusion in Telagah Village is a positive indication in an effort to improve the health of the dental and mouth of the community. This shows that the educational program on oral health, especially related to malocclusion, has been going well in the region. However, further research is needed to assess the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study found that the majority of the mothers had a good level of knowledge about malocclusion. This is a positive indication that the educational program on oral health, especially related to malocclusion, has been effective in the region. However, further research is needed to assess the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion.

Recommendations

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

Further research is needed to assess the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion.
Efforts should be made to increase understanding of malocclusion and how to prevent it.
Changes in behavior should be encouraged to apply the habit of maintaining good dental and oral health.
Access to dental health services, correct knowledge of dental care, and socio-cultural factors should be analyzed as factors that influence the behavior of mothers in maintaining the health of children's dental and oral health.

Limitations of the Study

The study had some limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single village, which may not be representative of the entire region.
The sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population.
The study only assessed the level of knowledge about malocclusion and did not assess the behavior of the mothers.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on assessing the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion. Additionally, research should be conducted to analyze the factors that influence the behavior of mothers in maintaining the health of children's dental and oral health.

Implications for Practice

The study has implications for practice, including:

The need for further education and training on oral health, especially related to malocclusion.
The need for changes in behavior to apply the habit of maintaining good dental and oral health.
The need for access to dental health services and correct knowledge of dental care.

Conclusion

Q: What is malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion is a condition where the teeth do not fit properly together, affecting the aesthetics, function, and overall quality of life.

Q: Why is it essential to educate mothers about malocclusion?

A: Mothers play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their family's dental and oral health. Educating them about malocclusion can help prevent the condition and promote good oral health habits.

Q: What is the significance of the study on malocclusion in productive age mothers in Telagah Village, Langkat Regency?

A: The study aims to determine the level of knowledge about malocclusion among productive age mothers in the region, which can help identify areas for improvement in oral health education and promotion.

Q: What was the methodology used in the study?

A: The study used a descriptive method with a questionnaire survey approach adapted from a questionnaire used by health workers at the Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences & Rural Dental College, Loni, India in 2014.

Q: How many mothers participated in the study?

A: A total of 59 mothers participated in the study.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results showed that the good level of knowledge about malocclusion in productive age mothers in Telagah Village reached 84.7%.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The study has implications for practice, including the need for further education and training on oral health, especially related to malocclusion, and the need for changes in behavior to apply the habit of maintaining good dental and oral health.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study had some limitations, including the small sample size and the fact that it was conducted in a single village, which may not be representative of the entire region.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on assessing the suitability between the level of knowledge and behavior of the community related to malocclusion, and analyzing the factors that influence the behavior of mothers in maintaining the health of children's dental and oral health.

Q: What are the recommendations for practice?

A: The recommendations include increasing understanding of malocclusion and how to prevent it, encouraging changes in behavior to apply the habit of maintaining good dental and oral health, and analyzing access to dental health services, correct knowledge of dental care, and socio-cultural factors.

Q: Why is it essential to promote good oral health habits?

A: Good oral health habits can help prevent malocclusion and other dental and oral health problems, promoting overall health and well-being.

Q: How can mothers promote good oral health habits in their children?

A: Mothers can promote good oral health habits in their children by modeling good oral health behaviors, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and encouraging their children to visit the dentist regularly.

Q: What are the benefits of good oral health?

A: Good oral health can have numerous benefits, including improved overall health and well-being, increased self-esteem, and better social interactions.

Q: How can individuals get involved in promoting good oral health?

A: Individuals can get involved in promoting good oral health by educating themselves and others about the importance of oral health, promoting good oral health habits, and advocating for access to dental health services.