26 September 2024
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
Pakpak Bharat – The Health Team of the Community Service Institution (LPPM) Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) conducted an educational and assistance program for pregnant women on maintaining oral health to prevent pregnancy gingivitis at Bale Boang Manalu, Salak Village, Salak District, Pakpak Bharat Regency, North Sumatra, Tuesday (13/8).
The USU LPPM Health Team consisted of Chairperson Prof. Sondang Pintauli, drg, Ph.D, and member Dr. drg. Sopan Sinamo, Sp.Pros (an alumnus of the Doctoral Program in Dental Science at USU).
The event was opened by the Head of Salak Village, Immanuel Boangmanalu, who introduced the USU LPPM Health Team. This was followed by remarks from the Head of Salak Community Health Center (Puskesmas).
The presentation began with Drg. Rini Octavia, Sp.Perio (K), who delivered material on "Gingivitis and Pregnancy."
Meanwhile, Prof. Sondang focused her material on efforts to maintain oral cavity health in pregnant women to reduce the risk of gum inflammation during pregnancy.
The session continued with a Q&A and assistance on proper oral care, including tooth brushing techniques, using dental floss, and selecting safe mouthwash during pregnancy.
"It is hoped that pregnant women can independently maintain their oral hygiene to prevent gum inflammation during pregnancy, ensuring that their babies are not born with low birth weight (LBW), a risk factor for stunting in toddlers," she said.
She explained that pregnancy is a physiological condition that can cause various changes in a woman's life, including increased vulnerability to oral cavity diseases.
"Hormonal changes during pregnancy are usually associated with altered eating patterns and mood swings, leading to increased stress, which often causes pregnant women to neglect their oral health," she said.
During pregnancy, she continued, women experience nausea and vomiting, increasing oral acidity, which can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
She added that the rise in estrogen and progesterone concentration also serves as a food source for bacteria, causing an increase in these bacteria in the gingival sulcus fluid of pregnant women, resulting in pregnancy gingivitis.
If left untreated, it may cause complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight (LBW), which are risk factors for stunting in toddlers.
Therefore, pregnant women are one of the primary targets in stunting prevention efforts. According to the 2018 Basic Health Research, 28% of Indonesian women aged 10-54 years experience complications during pregnancy.
"One of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 includes promoting healthy lives and well-being for all ages (SDG 3)," she said.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health is also actively promoting the importance of the Healthy Living Community Movement. This initiative aims to remind the public to maintain health in daily life. Living a healthy lifestyle is part of the mental revolution to get people accustomed to leading a healthy life, especially pregnant women.
Meanwhile, this Community Service Program (PPM) aims to assist pregnant women in maintaining their oral and dental health throughout pregnancy.
To achieve this goal, the Salak Community Health Center in Pakpak Bharat Regency was selected as a partner for conducting education and assistance programs to help pregnant women maintain their oral and dental health during pregnancy.
