Comparison of Dental Caries in Autistic Children and Healthy Children

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose symptoms appear during infancy or early childhood. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, restricted behavioral patterns, and unusual sensory sensitivities. Few studies have been conducted to investigate the dental problems of autistic children, rendering conflicting results. Regarding this, the present study aimed to compare 3-12-year-old autistic with normal children in terms of the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index in Sari city.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on autistic and healthy children (n=70 each) in the age range of 3-12 years old in 2020. The age and gender of the participants, the educational level of parents, and the number of children were recorded in both groups. The DMFT index was compared in children with autism and healthy children. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

According to the results of the study, the educational level of parents (maternal education P=0.279, paternal education P=0.295), age (P=0.832), gender (P=1.00), and the number of children (P=0.397) were not significantly different between the two groups; however, d and DMFT indices (P<0.001) were significantly higher in the group of children with autism than in the group of healthy children.

The DMFT index was significantly higher in autistic children than in healthy children. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive programs at home and in the clinics to improve the oral health of children with autism.