Hubungan Kebiasaan Sisi Pengunyahan dan Tekanan Kaki Plantar pada Mahasiswa FKG USU

Abstract

Incorrect chewing patterns caused by unilateral chewing habits can lead to malocclusion. Unfortunately, this chewing pattern is one of the components of the stomatognathic system that is related to body balance. This study aims to investigate the relationship between chewing side preference and plantar foot pressure balance among 33 FKG USU students. This study employed a descriptive analytic research design with a cross sectional design and purposive sampling technique. The sample consisted of 33 FKG USU students who met the inclusion criteria. In this study, 33 samples were assessed for their chewing side preference by chewing sugar-free xylitol gum for 7 intervals (2-2.5 minutes) followed by measuring their plantar foot pressure using a Stabilometry device. The chi-square test results showed no significant association between chewing habits and Stabilometry (p=0.056; p>0.05). In FKG USU students, there was no significant association between chewing side preference and foot pressure, and the prevalence of individuals who chewed on one side was more significant than those who chewed on both sides.