Evaluating Oral Hygiene in 9 - 12 Years Old Children with Dental Crowding: A School-Based Study

Background: Crowded teeth refer to the condition where teeth are misaligned outside of the normal dental arrangement, resulting from a discrepancy between tooth size and dental arch dimensions. Crowded teeth occur due to a difference between the space required within the dental arch and the space available within it. This research aimed to determine the relationship between crowded teeth and oral hygiene among 9-12 years old students at SDN 92/V Gemuruh, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency. Method: This research employed an analytical survey design with a cross-sectional approach. The population in this study consisted of all fourth and fifth-grade students at SDN 92/V Gemuruh with the age range of 9-12 years old, totaling 49 students. A sample of 39 students was selected using purposive sampling. Oral hygiene was assessed using the PHP-M (Personal Hygiene Performance-Modified) index. The chi-square test was used to compare oral hygiene between groups. Result: The results showed that out of 39 respondents, 84.6% students had crowded teeth, while 15.4% of students did not. Regarding oral hygiene status, 12.8% of students had good oral hygiene, 48.7% had moderate oral hygiene, and 38.5% had poor oral hygiene. The statistical test results showed a p-value of 0.201 (p > 0.05), indicating that there is no significant relationship between crowded teeth and oral hygiene in 9-12 years old students. Conclusion: No significant relationship between crowding and oral hygiene status among 9-12 years old students at SDN 92/V Gemuruh, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency.