The Relationship between the Level of Knowledge of Consuming Donuts and Sweet Gum as Cariogenic Foods and the Occurrence of Dental Caries in Class 12 Students at Cahaya Medan High School

Abstract

Introduction: Food and drinks taste sweet and sticky, which can trigger dental caries. The increasing number of dental caries for children shows the need for optimal treatment in increasing their knowledge. The aim of the research is to find a relationship between the level of knowledge of consuming donuts and sweet chewing gum as cariogenic foods on experiencing dental caries for grade 12 students at Cahaya Medan High School. Methods: Data collection using questionnaires and checking teeth. Data were analyzed using statistical tests Kruskal-Wallis. This type of research is an analytical survey through design cross sectional. Results: The research results showed that the majority of the level of knowledge of consuming donuts and sweet chewing gum as cariogenic foods in the sample was sufficient with the average DMFT score being .63 ± 2.723. Conclusion: it can be concluded that the better the level of knowledge about consuming donuts and sweet chewing gum as cariogenic foods, the lower the dental caries.