Oral hygiene and habits of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families

Abstract

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) frequently receive poorer health care then the general population. Frequently the speech-language pathologist is the only health professional that follows the child's everyday life and therefore is the only resource for guidance regarding basic health habits. Poor oral health may result in severe discomfort and other health problems that can be prevented by simple routine habits and adequate professional follow-up. The aim of the present study was to gather information about oral hygiene and dental care habits of children with ASD and their families. The hypothesis was that these children have poorer oral care habits than their families.

Material and methods: Participants were parents of 120 children with autism, aged 4 to 12 years in two different cities of the state of Sao Paulo. They answered to a simple questionnaire about oral hygiene and health care habits.

Results: Indicated that there is a significant difference (p< 0.001) between the children and their families regarding basic oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, as well as routine visits to the dentist.

Conclusions: This information clearly indicates the need for education programs aiming to encourage the inclusion children with ASD in the basic habits of oral care carried-out by the families. Key words:Autism disorder, oral hygiene habits, oral health.

Figure 1

Oral Hygiene and Dental Care Questionnaire.

Figure 2

Frequency distribution of the number of times the child with ASD brushes his/her teeth per day (2a) and the number of times their families brush their teeth (2b), for distinct age ranges. Legend: X = age of the children

Figure 3

Frequency distribution of the number of times the child with ASD goes to the dentist per year (3a) and the number of times their families go to the dentist per year (3b) for distinct age ranges. Legend: X = age of the children