The Relationship of Nutritional Status and Gingivitis in Elementary School Children

Abstract

Background: Gingivitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs in oral cavity soft tissue named gingiva.
Inflammation of the oral cavity can affect the general condition of the body, both in adults and children.
Children’s general condition can also be influenced by nutritional status. In Surabaya, Indonesia, underweight
is a serious nutritional problem with a high prevalence in elementary school children.
Objective: Analyzing the relationship between nutritional status and gingivitis in children aged 11-12 years
in the city of Surabaya.
Method: This observational analytic study was conducted on elementary school age children in 5 regions in
Surabaya. The gingiva is examined by probing the gingival sulcus. Nutritional status checks were carried out
by measuring Body Mass Index which was then converted to z scores. The data was then processed through
descriptive statistical method and cross tabulation between gingivitis and nutritional status in children.
Results: The prevalence of gingivitis in Surabaya in elementary school children is 46.30%. Most children
in Surabaya have normal nutritional status. However, the problem of underweight nutrition in Surabaya is
classified as a high prevalence of 11.11%. These conditions indicate a serious nutritional problem.
Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded there is no significant relationship between gingivitis and
the nutritional status of children. However, descriptively, children who have less nutritional status are more
likely to experience gingivitis.