STUNTING AND CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH: AN ANALYSIS OF THE INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ON DENTAL CARIES AND PLAQUE INDEX

Abstract

Mother’s behavior greatly influences children's dental health. Mothers with good knowledge and attitudes tend to maintain their children's oral hygiene, thus reducing the risk of caries and plaque. Conversely, less attentive behavior can lead to dental caries and plaque buildup, which affects appetite and nutritional intake, ultimately contributing to stunting. The purpose of this study is to examine stunting in relation to mothers’ knowledge and attitudes toward the incidence of dental caries and plaque index scores in the sub-districts of Cilincing, Semper Barat, and Penjaringan, North Jakarta, in 2024. This research employed an analytical survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 76 stunted children aged 3–5 years, selected through total sampling, as children in this age group were considered more cooperative for research purposes. Data analysis was conducted using univariate analysis (frequency distribution tables) and bivariate analysis with the Spearman Rank test. The results showed that stunting among children aged 3–5 years in North Jakarta was most prevalent in Semper Barat. Most stunted children also suffered from dental caries and had plaque index scores in the poor to very poor categories. The study further revealed a significant relationship between mothers’ knowledge and attitudes with the incidence of dental caries and plaque index scores among stunted children. Mothers with better knowledge and attitudes were more likely to have children with healthier dental conditions. In contrast, mothers with poor knowledge and attitudes had children at greater risk of caries and plaque. These findings indicate that maternal behavior plays an important role in maintaining children's oral health and can be a supporting factor in stunting prevention efforts.