JAKARTA — A graduate dentist from the University of Indonesia, drg. Yulita Bong, revealed that three major dental health problems are most frequently experienced by Indonesian families, based on clinical practice data throughout 2025.
Yulita said the most common issues are malocclusion or disharmony in tooth alignment, dental cavities in both children and adults, and low awareness of preventive and routine dental care.
“Many new patients only come when they already have complaints, even though preventive and routine care plays a crucial role in avoiding more serious conditions,” Yulita said, as quoted by ANTARA. She added that concerns over unpredictable treatment costs remain a barrier for many people.
Currently serving as CEO of Audy Dental, Yulita noted that dental health is still often viewed as a secondary need that is addressed only after problems arise, despite growing public awareness.
Her findings align with data from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), which reported that 57 percent of Indonesians aged three years and above experienced dental and oral health problems, yet only 11.2 percent sought professional treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also identified uncertainty over dental care costs as a key reason people hesitate to visit dentists.
“Compared to 2024, we recorded an increase of more than 25 percent in cases of tooth alignment problems and around 10 percent in cavity cases,” Yulita said.
To encourage better dental habits, she emphasized the importance of a one-stop dental clinic model that integrates general dentists and specialists, supported by transparent pricing and a comfortable treatment experience.
Meanwhile, pediatric dental specialist drg. Eka Sabaty Shofiyah, Sp.KGA, stressed that early dental care is essential, as the condition of primary teeth affects permanent tooth growth, jaw development, and long-term oral health habits.
“If not treated early, dental problems in childhood can cause pain and infections, and may also affect a child’s self-confidence later in life,” Eka said.
She added that dental care is equally important for adults, as oral health affects not only chewing and speaking, but also overall health and self-esteem.
Untreated dental problems can reduce quality of life, disrupt social interactions, and impair daily functions. In contrast, maintaining a healthy smile contributes significantly to confidence at all stages of life.
“Routine dental care such as scaling, topical fluoride application, and fissure sealants is an important long-term investment in health and quality of life,” Eka concluded.