Many Indonesian citizens have cavities, with few receiving fillings.

According to a survey by the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), various dental health problems were experienced by Indonesians in the past year.

In 2023, the most common problem was cavities/damaged/aching teeth, affecting 43.6% of respondents.

Furthermore, 21% of respondents experienced tooth loss due to extraction or spontaneous exfoliation, 11.1% reported tooth sensitivity, and 6.8% had loose teeth.

Meanwhile, only 4.8% had their teeth filled due to cavities.

Kemenkes conducted this survey on approximately 829,000 respondents aged 3 years and older, distributed nationally.

Although many Indonesians have dental health problems, the Kemenkes survey found that the majority, or 91.9% of the total respondents, had never visited a dentist.

The main reasons were feeling no toothache (61.1%), feeling no need for treatment (57%), being able to self-treat (24.8%), and some opting for treatment from non-medical personnel/traditional dentists (1.1%).

According to Dentist Suci Meighitine Thohir, one way to maintain good oral health is through regular dental check-ups, at least every six months.

"Even without any complaints, a check-up is necessary. Early detection can be done, including for dental caries (cavities)," said Suci, as quoted from the official Kemenkes website on Monday (6/5/2024).

Suci stated that if cavities are detected early, they can be immediately filled to prevent the development of deeper cavities or more severe caries.