The Level of Quality of Life Related to Oral Health in USU FKG Students Who Experience Malocclusion

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 110 views

The Level of Quality of Life Related to Oral Health in USU FKG Students Who Experience Malocclusion

Introduction

Malocclusion is a common dental health problem that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. For students of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of North Sumatra (FKG USU), malocclusion can affect not only their physical health but also their social and emotional well-being. In the field of dentistry, oral health is closely linked to various physical, psychological, and social functions. Physical functions include the ability to chew, while psychological functions are related to facial appearance and self-confidence. Social functions, on the other hand, encompass aspects such as self-confidence and satisfaction with the condition of the oral cavity. This study aims to explore the impact of malocclusion on the quality of life of USU FKG students using a descriptive approach to 82 students who experience this problem.

The Importance of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL)

The quality of life associated with oral health (oral health-related quality of life or OHRQOL) is a crucial parameter in assessing the impact of the condition of the tooth on physical and mental health. OHRQOL encompasses various aspects, including physical, psychological, and social functions. In this study, we used the Orthodontic Care Needs Index based on aesthetic components and the OHRQOL-UK questionnaire to collect data. The data collection process was carried out directly, including filling out questionnaires and taking photos to students who are still actively learning and meet the criteria.

The Impact of Malocclusion on Quality of Life

The results of this study indicate that overall, the level of quality of life of students who experience malocclusion detected has a bad impact of 3.7%. However, the majority of respondents, namely 82.9%, reported that they did not feel the significant effect of their condition on the quality of life, while the other 13.4% felt a positive impact. This conclusion indicates that although malocclusion can have a negative influence on several aspects, most students feel that the condition of their teeth and mouth has no significant effect on their daily lives.

Aspects Affected by Malocclusion

From these results, it appears that the impact of malocclusion is more felt on certain aspects, such as appearance, comfort when speaking or eating, as well as confidence when smiling or laughing. This indicates that although not all students feel the negative impact of malocclusion, there are still some who feel limitations in the social and mental aspects that can affect their interactions with the surrounding environment.

Implications for Dental Education and Practice

Penting bagi pihak terkait, terutama Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi, untuk memberikan perhatian lebih terhadap masalah ini. Efforts to increase awareness about the importance of oral health and precise preventive and care measures can be very beneficial for students. Thus, students are expected to improve the quality of their lives, not only in terms of dental and oral health but also in broader social and emotional aspects.

Conclusion

In dealing with malocclusion problems and their impact on quality of life, further research and intervention programs may be needed to support students in achieving optimal oral health conditions. A better quality of life will certainly contribute to the overall achievement of academic and welfare.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increased awareness: Efforts to increase awareness about the importance of oral health and the impact of malocclusion on quality of life should be made.
Preventive measures: Precise preventive and care measures should be implemented to support students in achieving optimal oral health conditions.
Intervention programs: Further research and intervention programs may be needed to support students in achieving optimal oral health conditions.
Collaboration: Collaboration between dental education and practice institutions, as well as with other stakeholders, is essential to address the issue of malocclusion and its impact on quality of life.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to explore the impact of malocclusion on quality of life over time.
Intervention programs: Intervention programs should be developed and evaluated to support students in achieving optimal oral health conditions.
Collaboration: Collaboration between dental education and practice institutions, as well as with other stakeholders, should be strengthened to address the issue of malocclusion and its impact on quality of life.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Self-reported data: The data collected in this study were self-reported, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of malocclusion and its impact on quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) in assessing the impact of malocclusion on quality of life. The findings of this study indicate that although malocclusion can have a negative influence on several aspects, most students feel that the condition of their teeth and mouth has no significant effect on their daily lives. However, there are still some students who feel limitations in the social and mental aspects that can affect their interactions with the surrounding environment. Further research and intervention programs are needed to support students in achieving optimal oral health conditions and improving their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Malocclusion and Quality of Life

Q: What is malocclusion?

A: Malocclusion is a common dental health problem that occurs when the teeth do not fit together properly in the mouth. This can affect the way the teeth bite and chew food, and can also impact the overall appearance of the teeth and smile.

Q: How does malocclusion affect quality of life?

A: Malocclusion can affect quality of life in several ways, including:

Affecting the way the teeth bite and chew food
Impacting the overall appearance of the teeth and smile
Causing discomfort or pain when eating or speaking
Affecting self-confidence and self-esteem
Impacting social interactions and relationships

Q: What are the symptoms of malocclusion?

A: The symptoms of malocclusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:

Difficulty biting or chewing food
Pain or discomfort in the jaw or teeth
Difficulty speaking or articulating words
A feeling of self-consciousness or embarrassment about the appearance of the teeth or smile
Difficulty sleeping or experiencing headaches or jaw pain

Q: How is malocclusion diagnosed?

A: Malocclusion is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

Visual examination of the teeth and bite
X-rays or other imaging tests to evaluate the alignment of the teeth and jaw
Dental impressions or models to evaluate the shape and size of the teeth
Questionnaires or surveys to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on quality of life

Q: What are the treatment options for malocclusion?

A: The treatment options for malocclusion depend on the severity of the condition and may include:

Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and improve the bite
Dental restorations or prosthetics to repair or replace damaged teeth
Jaw surgery to correct the alignment of the jaw
Bite splints or other appliances to help improve the bite and reduce discomfort

Q: Can malocclusion be prevented?

A: While malocclusion cannot always be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition, including:

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing
Avoiding habits that can damage the teeth, such as biting or chewing on hard objects
Wearing a mouthguard or other protective appliance during sports or other activities

Q: How can I improve my quality of life if I have malocclusion?

A: If you have malocclusion, there are several steps you can take to improve your quality of life, including:

Seeking treatment from a qualified dentist or orthodontist
Practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing
Avoiding habits that can damage the teeth, such as biting or chewing on hard objects
Wearing a mouthguard or other protective appliance during sports or other activities
Considering orthodontic treatment or other cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile.

Q: What is the prognosis for individuals with malocclusion?

A: The prognosis for individuals with malocclusion depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With proper treatment and care, individuals with malocclusion can experience significant improvements in their quality of life and overall health. However, in some cases, malocclusion can be a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment.