The Impact of Smoking and Diabetes Mellitus on Dental Caries in the Indonesian Population
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: One of the most commonly reported oral health problems among the Indonesian population is dental caries, which arises from multiple risk factors. Dental caries can affect individuals throughout their lives and is closely linked to poor public health conditions. Smoking behavior is a known contributor to increased caries risk, and individuals with diabetes also face a higher likelihood of developing tooth decay. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the impact of smoking and diabetes mellitus on dental caries in the Indonesian population. Materials and Methods: This study employed a nonexperimental, cross-sectional, and observational design. The research population included all Indonesian residents across 34 provinces and 514 cities/districts. The study sample consisted of all household members aged 30–50 years, totaling 275,118 individuals. Data on smoking, diabetes mellitus, and dental caries were collected through interviews using validated questionnaires. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the data. Results: Smoking and diabetes mellitus are both significantly associated with the occurrence of dental caries ( P = 0.0001). Smokers have a 1.3–1.5 times higher likelihood of developing dental caries compared with nonsmokers. Similarly, respondents with diabetes mellitus have a 1.3-fold greater risk of experiencing dental caries than those without diabetes. The prevalence of dental caries among smokers is 53.6%, and the prevalence of dental caries among individuals with diabetes mellitus is 55.5%. Conclusion: Smoking and diabetes mellitus have a significant influence on the incidence of dental caries in the Indonesian population.
Language: English
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $100
OpenAlex ID: W7214405232