{"id":16526,"date":"2025-09-19T14:47:26","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T07:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fkg.ugm.ac.id\/?p=16526"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:56:50","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T07:56:50","slug":"hubungan-status-sosial-ekonomi-dengan-kebersihan-mulut","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fkg.ugm.ac.id\/en\/hubungan-status-sosial-ekonomi-dengan-kebersihan-mulut\/","title":{"rendered":"The Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Oral Hygiene"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oral hygiene is an important indicator of overall health. However, numerous studies have shown that oral hygiene levels are often influenced by socioeconomic factors. Individuals with low socioeconomic status tend to have more limited access to dental healthcare facilities, oral health education, and dental care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study conducted by FKG UGM student Fitri Diah Oktadewi under the supervision of drg. Lisdrianto H., MPH., Ph.D. and Dr. drg. Indah Titien S., SU., Sp.KGA(K), entitled \u201cThe Relationship between Oral Health Conditions and Socioeconomic Status with Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Visually Impaired Students Aged 7\u201318 Years (Assessment Using the COHIP-SF 19 Questionnaire)\u201d, demonstrated a significant association between socioeconomic status and oral health conditions. This indicates that socioeconomic status is an important factor influencing oral hygiene and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Socioeconomic status reflects an individual\u2019s ability to meet basic needs, including access to healthcare. In the context of oral health, socioeconomic factors influence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Financial capacity to obtain routine dental care and oral hygiene tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Education level, which affects awareness and oral hygiene behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Living environment, which may determine access to clean water and healthcare facilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Populations with low socioeconomic status generally show higher levels of dental caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic status tend to brush more regularly, attend routine dental check-ups, and have greater awareness of oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Oral Hygiene<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Oral hygiene can be assessed through plaque presence, calculus, gingival condition, and brushing frequency. Socioeconomic status influences oral hygiene through several pathways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1.\tAccess to Healthcare Services<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Higher-income individuals have easier access to dental services for both preventive care and routine check-ups. In contrast, low-income groups often seek care only when pain or serious problems arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2.\tEducation and Health Awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Education plays a major role in shaping oral hygiene behavior. Higher education levels correlate with better awareness and practices, such as brushing twice daily and using fluoridated toothpaste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3.\tSocial Environment and Community Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Children who grow up in environments with good hygiene practices are more likely to adopt similar habits. Conversely, limited health education in low socioeconomic settings often leads to neglected oral hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4.\tQuality of Life and Psychosocial Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Poor oral conditions affect not only physical health but also self-confidence, speech, and social interaction. Research among visually impaired students at UGM shows a strong association between socioeconomic status and oral health-related quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Implications for Public Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Understanding the relationship between socioeconomic status and oral hygiene is essential in designing public health programs. Possible strategies include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n