Analysis of Status of Oral Stunting in Toddlers and Its Relationship with Mother’s Parenting

Abstract

Decreased physical growth and low cognitive development optimally experienced by stunting toddlers, due to nutritional deficiencies in the long term. Stunting in toddlers does not only affect the eruption of the primary teeth, it is also at risk for the occurrence of dental caries. The condition of children who experience malnutrition affects the health of the oral cavity and vice versa the health of the oral cavity can have an impact on poor nutrition. Mother's parenting pattern also determines the nutritional status of toddlers, especially in the selection of food consumed by toddlers. The aim of the study was to analysis the dental-mouth status in stunting (short) toddlers and their relationship to maternal parenting. This research method was carried out by purposive sampling in eight villages in Banda Aceh, the subjects obtained were 38 stunting toddlers. Data were obtained through interviews using a questionnaire and dental and oral examination using the deft index and OHIS. The results showed that the dental caries status was high in stunting toddlers (deft=5.71). On average, each toddler has 6 carious baby teeth and poor parenting patterns. It was found that a significant relationship between stunting and oral hygiene where the lower the nutritional status (stunting), the lower the oral hygiene of toddlers. It was concluded that toddlers with stunting had high dental caries status and poor maternal parenting.