Efektivitas Video Inovatif Terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan Tentang Kesehatan Gigi Dan Mulut Anak

Abstrak

Periodontal disease is one of the major oral and dental health problems that significantly affects the quality of life. WHO (2020) reported that this condition affects approximately 10% of the global population, indicating that it remains a public health issue requiring serious attention. In Indonesia, data from Riskesdas 2018 showed that the prevalence of periodontitis is very high, reaching 74.1%. One behavioral factor that may contribute to gingival tissue damage is the use of toothpicks. This habit is commonly practiced as an effort to remove food debris between the teeth; however, improper techniques or excessive frequency of use can lead to mechanical trauma to the gingival tissues. This study aims to determine the effect of toothpick usage frequency on gingival health in the community. The study employed a descriptive quantitative design, with data collection conducted from June to July 2025. A total of 30 respondents were selected using purposive sampling based on predetermined inclusion and exclusioncriteria. Data analysis was performed using the T-test to assess whether there were differences in gingival health status between toothpick users and non-users. The statistical results showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.000). These findings indicate that the frequency of toothpick use has a meaningful effect on the degree of gingival inflammation. Therefore, education regarding safer interdental cleaning techniques—such as the use of dental floss or interdental brushes—is highly recommended to prevent periodontal tissue damage.