MALNUTRITION STATUS (STUNTING) WITH ERUPTIONS AND INCIDENCE OF DENTAL CARIES IN TODDLERS AGED 24 - 60 MONTHS

Background: The prevalence of stunting based on Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data in toddlers in Indonesia is still very high, namely 37.2% in 2013 and 30.8% in 2018. The prevalence of stunting in West Java based on Riskesdas 2018 data is 31.1%. Based on the results of a survey from the monthly report on the nutritional status of toddlers at the Tamansari Health Center in August 2022, data was obtained that of 604 toddlers surveyed in 4 villages, there were 100 cases of stunting as many as 100 toddlers who suffered from malnutrition. Stunting conditions can cause children's development to be disrupted, including development in the oral cavity. Stunted children are more susceptible to dental caries. Objective: to analyze the relationship between malnutrition status (stunting) to eruption and dental caries in toddlers aged 24 - 60 months at the Tamansari Health Center, Tasikmalaya City. Methods: This study used a type of quantitative research with an analytical survey design. Data analysis uses the person correlatin statistical test. The respondents were 50 children under five years old aged 24 – 60 months with stunting status. Results: the p value of height with tooth eruption was 0.003 and the p value of height with dental caries was 0.003, meaning that there was a significant relationship between height and tooth eruption and dental caries. Conclusion: there is a relationship between malnutrition status (stunting) and eruptions and the incidence of dental caries in toddlers aged 24-60 months at the Tamansari Health Center, Tasikmalaya City