PREVALENSI KARIES GIGI MOLAR PERTAMA PERMANEN DI SDN 81 KOTA PALEMBANG

ABSTRAK
Latar Belakang: Karies gigi merupakan masalah kesehatan gigi dan mulut yang sering terjadi pada anak usia sekolah. Gigi molar pertama permanen rentan mengalami karies karena erupsi lebih awal, memiliki pit dan fissure yang dalam, serta sering kurang mendapat perhatian dalam perawatannya. Kebiasaan konsumsi makanan kariogenik dan kebersihan mulut yang kurang baik turut meningkatkan risiko karies. Tujuan: Diketahui prevalensi karies gigi molar pertama permanen berdasarkan jenis kelamin, usia, dan lokasi karies pada siswa SDN 81 Kota Palembang. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel sebanyak 301 siswa kelas I–VI dipilih menggunakan teknik random sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui pemeriksaan klinis langsung pada Februari 2026 dan dianalisis secara univariat dalam bentuk distribusi frekuensi dan persentase. Hasil: Prevalensi karies gigi molar pertama permanen sebesar 86,37%. Berdasarkan jenis kelamin, prevalensi lebih tinggi pada laki-laki (90,47%) dibandingkan perempuan (82,46%). Berdasarkan usia, prevalensi tertinggi pada usia 12 tahun (90,90%) dan 11 tahun (89,18%). Berdasarkan lokasi, karies lebih banyak ditemukan pada rahang bawah (206 kasus) dibandingkan rahang atas (195 kasus). Permukaan oklusal gigi molar dengan pit dan fisure yang dalam dapat menjadi tempat retensi plak dan sisa makanan, Karena daerah tersebut sulit dibersihkan secara alami. Akumulasi plak menghasilkan asam yang memicu demineralisasi terus-menerus dapat menyebabkan gigi karies. Kesimpulan: Prevalensi karies Molar Pertama tergolong tinggi sehingga diperlukan upaya promotif dan preventif untuk menurunkan kejadian karies pada anak sekolah.
Kata kunci: Karies gigi, molar pertama permanen, prevalensi, anak sekolah dasar

ABSTRACT
Background: Dental caries is a dental and oral health problem that
often occurs in school-aged children. Permanent first molars are susceptible to caries because they erupt early, have deep pits and fissures, and often receive less attention in their care. The habit of consuming cariogenic foods and poor oral hygiene also increase the risk of caries. Objective: To determine the prevalence of permanent first molar caries based on gender, age, and location of caries in students of SDN 81 Palembang City. Method: This study is a descriptive study with a cross- sectional approach A sample of 301 students in grades I-VI was selected using a random sampling technique. Data were collected through direct clinical examinations in February 2026 and analyzed univariately in the form of frequency distributions and percentages. Results: The prevalence of caries in first permanent molars was 86.37%. Based on gender, the prevalence was higher in males (90.47%) than in females (82.46%). Based on age, the highest prevalence was in children aged 12 years (90.90%) and 11 years (89.18%). Based on location, caries was more common in the lower jaw (206 cases) than in the upper jaw (195 cases). The occlusal surface of molars with deep pits and fissures can become a place for plaque and food debris retention, because these areas are difficult to clean naturally. Accumulation of plaque produces acid that triggers continuous demineralization, which can cause dental caries. Conclusion: The prevalence of caries in first permanent molars is relatively high, so promotive and preventive efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of caries in school children. Keywords: Dental caries, first permanent molars, prevalence, elementary school children