Eating Behavior and Caries Experience in Children with Growth Stunting

Abstract Objective  Stunting is the impaired growth and development children experience from chronic malnutrition and repeated infection that cause long-term damage. Malnutrition for a long time will affect the shape and composition of bones and teeth, making children more vulnerable to dental health problems. Preschoolers with sufficiently active consumption can choose the food they like delightful foods so that it can increase the risk of caries. Based on data from the Bandung City Health Office in 2019, 161 toddlers (25.43%) in Sukawarna Village experienced stunting. This study analyzed the relationship between eating behavior and caries experience in stunting children in Sukawarna Village, Sukajadi District. Materials and Methods  This study uses a quantitative descriptive research method with a secondary data analysis approach from the documentation of the Universitas Padjadjaran Academic Leadership Grant data with the title “Aspects of jaw growth-development and family approach in early detection and prevention of stunting.” Sampling used purposive sampling specifically for preschool children with a sample size of 80 respondents. The data obtained will be processed and then analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation statistical test. Results  Sixty-three percent of respondents have poor eating behavior, and the majority (80.35%) have cavities due to caries (decay). Spearman Rank correlation coefficient is −0.145 and significance is 0.0983. Conclusion  Overall eating behavior is related to the caries experience in stunting children. Consumption of cariogenic foods influences the caries experience.