The Level of Knowledge of Patients Visiting the Rantauprapat Health Center for Halitosis

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 110 views

The Level of Knowledge of Patients Visiting the Rantauprapat Health Center for Halitosis

Introduction

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, the prevalence of dental and oral health knowledge is relatively low, with a recorded prevalence of 25.9%. The Rantauprapat region is one of the areas that face significant challenges in maintaining dental and oral health. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge of patients visiting the Rantauprapat Puskesmas about the causes, impacts, prevention, and care of halitosis.

Background

Halitosis is a complex health problem that is often associated with poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and other underlying medical conditions. In Indonesia, the prevalence of halitosis is high, with many residents not understanding the importance of maintaining dental and oral health. The Rantauprapat region is one of the areas that face significant challenges in this regard. The lack of knowledge about halitosis can lead to a range of negative consequences, including social embarrassment, decreased self-esteem, and poor overall health.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive design with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consisted of 102 respondents from three Puskesmas in Rantauprapat: City Health Center (65 respondents), Sigambal Health Center (25 respondents), and Puskesmas Janji (12 respondents). The sample selection method is carried out by stratified random sampling, which allows random sampling in each puskesmas based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires directly to patients who visited in August. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

The results of this study showed that the level of patient knowledge about the etiology of halitosis was good, with 46.1% of respondents understanding the causes of bad breath. Meanwhile, knowledge about the impact of halitosis reached 39.2%. In the prevention aspect, only 50% of respondents showed adequate knowledge, whereas in the aspect of halitosis care, the level of knowledge reached 55.9%. Overall, although the patient's knowledge of the etiology, impact, and treatment of halitosis is classified as good, there are significant weaknesses in understanding the prevention of halitosis.

Discussion

The importance of knowledge about halitosis cannot be ignored, because this is directly related to dental and oral health and the quality of one's life. Bad breath can be a source of discomfort, not only for individuals who experience it but also for the people around them. Therefore, increasing community understanding of how to prevent and care for halitosis is a crucial step.

Based on the results of the study, it is clear that there is a need to increase education in the field of prevention of halitosis. This can be done by holding a seminar or workshop involving health workers at the Puskesmas to provide more in-depth information about oral hygiene, correct tooth brushing techniques, and the importance of regular dental examination.

Conclusion

The results of this study highlight the need for increased education and awareness about halitosis in the Rantauprapat region. By increasing patient knowledge about the prevention and care of halitosis, it is expected to reduce the prevalence of this health problem in the community. In addition, the results of this study can be the basis for the Puskesmas to formulate more effective health education programs, in order to increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining overall oral health.

Recommendations

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

Hold a seminar or workshop involving health workers at the Puskesmas to provide more in-depth information about oral hygiene, correct tooth brushing techniques, and the importance of regular dental examination.
Develop a health education program that targets the prevention and care of halitosis.
Increase public awareness of the importance of maintaining overall oral health through various media channels.
Conduct further research to identify the underlying causes of halitosis in the Rantauprapat region.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population.
The study only focused on patients visiting the Rantauprapat Puskesmas, which may not be representative of the entire community.
The study did not collect data on the underlying causes of halitosis, which may be an important factor in understanding the prevalence of this health problem.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to identify the underlying causes of halitosis in the Rantauprapat region. Additionally, further research should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of health education programs in increasing patient knowledge about the prevention and care of halitosis.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Additional information or data that is not included in the main body of the study]

Abstract

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, the prevalence of dental and oral health knowledge is relatively low, with a recorded prevalence of 25.9%. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge of patients visiting the Rantauprapat Puskesmas about the causes, impacts, prevention, and care of halitosis. The results showed that the level of patient knowledge about the etiology of halitosis was good, but there were significant weaknesses in understanding the prevention of halitosis. The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness about halitosis in the Rantauprapat region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Halitosis and Oral Health

Q: What is halitosis?

A: Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a persistent and unpleasant odor of the breath, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and other underlying medical conditions.

Q: What are the causes of halitosis?

A: The causes of halitosis can be divided into two main categories: local and systemic. Local causes include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and the presence of bacteria in the mouth. Systemic causes include diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other underlying medical conditions.

Q: How can I prevent halitosis?

A: Preventing halitosis requires good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and limiting your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of halitosis.

Q: What are the symptoms of halitosis?

A: The symptoms of halitosis can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

Persistent and unpleasant odor of the breath
Bad taste in the mouth
Dry mouth
Difficulty swallowing
Sore throat

Q: How is halitosis diagnosed?

A: Halitosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Your dentist or healthcare provider may also use a device called a halimeter to measure the level of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in your breath, which can help to diagnose halitosis.

Q: What are the treatment options for halitosis?

A: The treatment options for halitosis depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, treatment may involve:

Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Antibiotics or other medications to treat underlying medical conditions
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or reducing your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Q: Can halitosis be prevented?

A: Yes, halitosis can be prevented through good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, avoiding tobacco products and limiting your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of halitosis.

Q: How can I get rid of halitosis?

A: Getting rid of halitosis requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices, lifestyle changes, and treatment from your dentist or healthcare provider. This may include:

Brushing and flossing regularly
Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
Antibiotics or other medications to treat underlying medical conditions
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or reducing your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks

Q: Can halitosis be a sign of an underlying medical condition?

A: Yes, halitosis can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as gum disease, diabetes, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you are experiencing persistent and unpleasant odor of the breath, it is essential to visit your dentist or healthcare provider to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Q: How can I prevent halitosis in children?

A: Preventing halitosis in children requires good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, teaching children good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and limiting their consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of halitosis.

Q: Can halitosis be a sign of a dental problem?

A: Yes, halitosis can be a sign of a dental problem, such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you are experiencing persistent and unpleasant odor of the breath, it is essential to visit your dentist to rule out any underlying dental problems.