Dental Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Considerations

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encounter distinct difficulties related to oral care, mainly as a result of communication and social interaction impairments. Autism-related factors worsen these issues, leading to uncooperative behavior. Despite not having specific oral characteristics tied to the spectrum, children with ASD are at a higher risk for various oral diseases like caries, dental trauma, and malocclusions. Factors like hypersensitivity around the mouth, aversion to toothpaste taste, medication side effects, and a preference for diets high in simple sugars compound these risks. Furthermore, many children with ASD display poor oral hygiene, often aggravated by oversensitivity and motor development delays. They are also prone to dental trauma due to behavioral disturbances and self-injurious tendencies. Parafunctions, such as thumb-sucking, can lead to malocclusions. Dental health professionals might offer targeted dental care for children with ASD, emphasizing the importance of early oral health education from an early age.