Comparison of dental health status in children with autism spectrum disorder vs other developmental disabilities: Results from 2016 national survey of Children's health

Introduction

Children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit unconventional responses to sensory stimulation which maybe a barrier to regular dental care.

Clinical Relevance/Objectives

The primary objective of this study is to assess the overall dental health status of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder aged 3–17 years compared with children of similar age who were diagnosed with Other Developmental Disabilities.

Methods

Data from 2016 National Survey of Children's Health was used to compare the dental health status of children aged 3–17 years diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder to other developmental disabilities, as well as across the levels of intellectual deficit by employing observational study design.

Results

Results indicated that with a comorbid intellectual deficit, children with autism spectrum disorder have higher odds of lacking preventive oral care and exhibiting dental problems, but significantly lower odds of reporting a poor/fair oral hygiene index compared to children with other developmental disabilities with intellectual deficit. Children with intellectual deficit had higher odds of reporting a poor/fair oral hygiene index but had lower odds of having dental problems compared to children without intellectual deficit, independent of autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disability.

Conclusion

These findings support the development of preventive protocols to improve oral health in children with autism spectrum disorder that may positively impact their quality of life.