Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent oral health problems in Indonesia. It includes inflammatory conditions and destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth mobility, tooth loss, and systemic health impacts, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.
In the public health context, periodontal disease is an important indicator as it reflects oral hygiene behavior, nutritional status, and access to dental healthcare services. Epidemiological analysis is necessary to understand patterns, risk factors, and the distribution of this disease across different regions of Indonesia in order to develop more effective prevention strategies.
Epidemiological Conditions of Periodontal Disease in Indonesia
Data from various national surveys indicate that the prevalence of periodontal disease in Indonesia remains high, particularly among adults and the elderly. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking habits, systemic diseases, and low frequency of dental visits further exacerbate this condition.
Clear disparities between urban and rural areas are also evident. Rural communities generally have lower oral health knowledge and limited access to dental services. In contrast, urban populations, although having better access, are often exposed to risk factors such as stress and unhealthy dietary habits.
Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Periodontal Disease
Research conducted by FKG UGM student Rieski Prihastuti under the supervision of Dr. drg. Dibyo Pramono, SU., MDSc., entitled “Faktor-faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kejadian Penyakit Periodontal pada Masyarakat di Kabupaten Wonosobo,” identified several factors that significantly contribute to the development of periodontal disease. These include poor oral hygiene, smoking, age, and educational level.
The study demonstrated that the lower a person’s knowledge and oral hygiene behavior, the higher the risk of periodontal disease. Smoking was also identified as a dominant factor, as it disrupts blood flow in periodontal tissues and reduces immune response to bacterial infection.
These findings highlight the importance of community-based interventions to change public behavior, particularly in increasing awareness of oral hygiene and smoking cessation.
Prevention and Control Efforts
Strategies for preventing periodontal disease in Indonesia need to be comprehensive, including:
- Oral health education through schools, primary health centers, and digital media to improve public knowledge.
- Improved access to dental services, especially in remote areas, through UKGS programs, mobile dental clinics, and teledentistry.
- Smoking cessation campaigns as part of general health promotion programs.
- Routine examinations for early detection of periodontal disease, particularly for the productive age group and the elderly.
With a community-based approach and support from national health policies, the incidence of periodontal disease can be sustainably reduced.
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Periodontal disease remains a major challenge in Indonesian public health. Based on epidemiological analysis, this disease is influenced by behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. Research in Wonosobo Regency shows that oral hygiene and smoking habits are the main targets for intervention. Through integrated prevention programs and continuous public education, it is expected that the incidence of periodontal disease in Indonesia will continue to decline in line with sustainable health development goals.
References
RIESKI PRIHASTUTI, Dr. drg. Dibyo Pramono, SU., MDSc., Faktor-faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kejadian Penyakit Periodontal pada Masyarakat di Kabupaten Wonosobo, https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/162609
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
