Determinants of Tooth Brushing Behavior in Sixth Grade Elementary School Students in Lebak Bulus Sub-District, South Jakarta

Dental health is an integral part of overall health. One of the main factors influencing the oral and dental health of people in developing countries is the behavioral factor of maintaining dental hygiene, namely brushing behavior. This study aims to determine the behavior of tooth brushing and the factors associated with tooth brushing behavior in sixth grade elementary school students in Lebak Bulus Sub-District, South Jakarta. The research design used was cross sectional with a total sample of 190 students. Data were collected by interview using a questionnaire. The results showed as many as 82.6% of sixth grade students had improper brushing behavior. Statistical test results found that there was a significant relationship between knowledge about the time and frequency of toothbrushing with the behavior of students' brushing (p value = 0.046). It is recommended that the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia make policies aimed at developing dental health programs in school dental health services supported by the full collaboration of the roles of parents, teachers and the school community, especially in the cognitive domain, attitudes and behaviors of students paying attention to their dental health.