PENCEGAHAN KARIES GIGI DENGAN TINDAKAN PROMOTIF DAN PREVENTIF (FISSURE SEALANT) PADA MURID SEKOLAH DASAR

Abstract

School-age children represent a group highly vulnerable to dental caries, a condition that can affect both children and adults. Children in this age group generally tend to consume sweet and sugary foods. Higher sugar consumption directly correlates with an increased incidence of dental caries. A dental and oral health survey conducted at SDN 12 Puhun Pintu Kabun revealed a high prevalence of dental caries alongside low levels of oral hygiene. Low oral hygiene status significantly increases the potential for a rise in dental caries rates. Therefore, early preventive measures are essential. One effective approach is the application of fissure sealants. This activity aimed to prevent dental caries among students at SDN 12 Puhun Pintu Kabun, Bukittinggi City. The activity steps comprised: preparation and coordination, initial examination, implementation of promotive measures, implementation of preventive fissure sealant measures, evaluation, and follow-up. The outputs of this initiative included increased partner knowledge, successful execution of fissure sealant treatments, a publication in printed mass media, and an activity documentation video. The results demonstrated an improvement in the students' knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding oral health, as well as effective prevention of dental caries through a combination of promotive actions in the form of education and preventive actions in the form of fissure sealants.