Pengembangan Model Sikat Gigi Adaptif untuk Meningkatkan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut Anak Sindrom Down (Studi di Sekolah Luar Biasa Kota Bontang

Rieza Zulfahmi Taftazani, Prof. dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Sp.A(K)., Ph.D; drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH., Ph.D; Prof. drg. Sri Kuswandari, M.S., Sp.KGA(K)., Ph.D

2025 | Disertasi | S3 Kedokteran Gigi

Latar belakang : Anak sindrom down cenderung mengalami gangguan kesehatan mulut, seperti karies dan gingivitis karena kemampuan menyikat gigi kurang akibat tonus otot yang lemah serta keterbatasan motorik dalam menjaga kebersihan gigi. Diperlukan sikat gigi khusus, penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan sikat gigi adaptif yang dirancang berdasarkan kebutuhan anak sindrom down untuk meningkatkan kebersihan gigi dan kesehatan gingiva.

Metode Penelitian : Penelitian dilakukan dalam tiga tahap. Tahap I identifikasi kebutuhan pengguna menggunakan pendekatan Mixed Methods Research, melalui studi literatur, wawancara, kuesioner, dan observasi terhadap 40 partisipan (anak sindrom down, orang tua, guru, dan ahli kesehatan gigi). Tahap II simulasi in silico terhadap 12 variasi desain untuk menentukan desain optimal berdasarkan adaptabilitas, fleksibilitas, dan keamanan. Tahap III uji klinis randomized controlled trial pada 20 anak sindrom down dari tiga SLB di Bontang untuk mengevaluasi efektivitas desain terpilih.

Hasil Penelitian : Tahap I: kebutuhan pengguna menunjukkan anak mengalami kesulitan saat menggunakan sikat gigi yang biasa digunakan karena kekuatan genggaman tangan lemah, koordinasi motorik yang kurang baik, serta ketidaknyamanan saat memegang gagang sikat standar. Tahap II simulasi in silico menunjukkan bentuk leher sikat bengkok sejajar, pegangan berpola bintik, serta bahan resin merupakan desain yang paling optimal (deformasi 1,244 mm; tegangan 4,914 MPa; faktor keamanan 11,111). Tahap III, uji klinis menunjukkan peningkatan signifikan skor kebersihan gigi, PHP-M (p < 0>

Kesimpulan : Sikat gigi adaptif yang dikembangkan terbukti efektif meningkatkan kebersihan gigi dan kesehatan gingiva pada anak sindrom down.

Background: Children with Down syndrome are prone to oral health problems, such as dental caries and gingivitis, due to inadequate toothbrushing skills resulting from low muscle tone and motor limitations in maintaining oral hygiene. A specialized toothbrush is needed; therefore, this study aims to develop an adaptive toothbrush designed according to the specific needs of children with Down syndrome to improve oral cleanliness and gingival health.

Methods: The study was conducted in three phases. Phase I involved identifying user needs using a Mixed Methods Research approach, including a literature review, interviews, questionnaires, and observations involving 40 participants (children with Down syndrome, parents, teachers, and oral health professionals). Phase II consisted of in silico simulations of 12 design variations to determine the optimal design based on adaptability, flexibility, and safety. Phase III was a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 20 children with Down syndrome from three special education schools (SLB) in Bontang to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected design.

Results: Phase I: User needs assessment revealed that children experienced difficulties using regular toothbrushes due to weak hand grip strength, poor motor coordination, and discomfort when holding standard handles. Phase II: In silico simulations showed that the most optimal design featured a parallel-bent brush head, dotted-pattern handle, and resin material (deformation: 1.244 mm; stress: 4.914 MPa; safety factor: 11.111). Phase III: The clinical trial demonstrated a significant improvement in oral hygiene scores (PHP-M) and gingival health (GI), with p < 0>

Conclusion: The developed adaptive toothbrush proved to be effective in improving oral hygiene and gingival health in children with Down syndrome.

Kata Kunci : Sindrom Down, Kebersihan Gigi dan Mulut, Kesehatan Gingiva, Sikat Gigi Adaptif