The Relationship Between Dental Caries and Malocclusion and the Quality of Life of Preschool Children

Background: Preschool children are one of the groups at high risk of having health problems. Based on data from the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) in 2023, the prevalence of caries in the 3-4 years age group was 78.3%, while in the 5-9 years age group it was 85.8%. Dental health problems such as caries and malocclusion will disrupt the function and activity of the oral cavity so that it will affect nutritional status and will have an impact on the quality of life of preschool children. Objective: To determine the relationship between dental caries and malocclusion with the quality of life in preschool children Method: This type of observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique was carried out by purposive sampling and obtained a total of 50 respondents. Univariate data analysis with descriptive analysis, Bivariate analysis using chi-square correlation. Results: There is a relationship between dental caries and the quality of life of preschool children (p = 0.030). There is a relationship between malocclusion and the quality of life of children (p = 0.005). Conclusion: There is a relationship between dental caries and malocclusion with the quality of life of preschool children. Keywords: dental caries, malocclusion, ECOHIS, quality of life of preschool children