Indonesia is facing a dental health crisis that goes beyond cavities and gum disease. The real issue, experts say, is a widespread misunderstanding of the complex ecosystem living inside our mouths. Despite regular toothbrushing, more than half of Indonesians aged three and up deal with dental and oral health problems, according to National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2026 data. BKGN materials report that about 57% of Indonesians in this age group have dental issues, with especially high rates in West Java, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), and Papua, as noted in an Observer ID report.
Much of the problem comes from the belief that all mouth bacteria are bad and should be eliminated. Leading dental experts now argue that the real danger is upsetting the natural balance of the oral microbiome, not the bacteria themselves. The Indonesian Ministry of Health found that by late October 2025, 41.9% of adults in the CKG program had dental caries or tooth decay. This points to the need for a new approach to prevention.
"Less than 3% of Indonesians brush their teeth at the recommended times-after breakfast and before bed-despite over 95% reporting daily brushing."
drg. Tari Tritarayati
"The oral cavity is the second largest microbial community in the human body and is home to more than 700 species of microorganisms called the oral microbiome. Like the gut, the oral microbiome includes both helpful and potentially harmful bacteria," explained Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., Chairman of the Indonesian Dental Faculty Association (AFDOKGI). He warns that trying to sterilize the mouth can backfire, letting harmful bacteria take over when the microbial balance-known as eubiosis-shifts into dysbiosis.
Everyday habits are making this imbalance worse. Nearly half of Indonesians drink sugary beverages more than once a day, which creates an acidic environment where acid-producing bacteria thrive. This acid damages enamel and speeds up tooth decay. Only 6.2% of people brush at the right times, and just 11.2% see a dentist each year, according to a press conference summary from Antara.
When the oral microbiome is out of balance, it leads to more than just cavities. Plaque builds up, gums become inflamed, and bad breath can persist. Some bacteria break down substances in the mouth and release sulfur compounds that cause unpleasant odors. Changes near the gum line can trigger inflammation, leading to problems from gingivitis to periodontitis.
"As part of BKGN 2026, dental screening has been included in free medical check-up programs, and preventive activities have been launched for schoolchildren. This is in response to findings that about 4 out of 10 school-aged children have dental caries."
RRI, Health News Portal (source)
Drg. Ratu Mirah Afifah, GCClinDent., MDSc., Personal Care Community Lead at Unilever Indonesia, sees this as a turning point. "In BKGN 2026, we want to introduce a new way of thinking about dental and oral health-by focusing on maintaining the balance of the oral microbiome as the foundation of overall oral health."
So what does it mean to keep this balance? Dr. A. Tajrin, M.Kes., Sp.B.M.M., Subsp.C.O.M(K), Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Educational Dental and Oral Hospitals (ARSGMPI), outlines the basics: good oral hygiene, cutting back on sugar, eating nutritious and fiber-rich foods, staying hydrated to support saliva, avoiding cigarettes, managing stress, and getting enough sleep. He also stresses the importance of regular dental check-ups-at least twice a year-to catch problems early.
This new approach is being promoted through BKGN 2026, a nationwide campaign led by Unilever Indonesia's Pepsodent, together with the Indonesian Dental Association, the Indonesian Association of Dental Schools, and the Indonesian Association of Dental and Oral Hospitals. The campaign, running from October to December 2026, is reaching schools, pesantren, and mother communities. Hundreds of students at SDN Menteng 01 Jakarta have already received education and dental care as part of the program.
The takeaway is clear: brushing alone is not enough. The future of oral health depends on protecting and supporting the mouth's microbial community, not trying to wipe it out. As Indonesia's dental leaders move toward this science-based approach, the message is straightforward-oral health is about balance, not total eradication. The profession is being called to let go of the myth of a sterile mouth and focus on strategies that support the microbiome, or risk repeating the same preventable problems.
