Comparison of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs in Autistic and Non-Autistic Children

Background: Dental treatment need is identified as the greatest neglected health need of children with developmental disabilities. The most commonly known developmental disorder is autism, and there is a recent increase in the diagnosis of autism cases. The aim of this study is to bring to light that providing quality dental care and inculcating dental education programmes can significantly improve the oral conditions of institutionalized autistic children, thereby improving their lifestyle.

Materials and Methods: The study conducted an institutionally based case-control study on 50 children with autism, selected from two special schools in Chennai, India. The total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth was assessed for the institutionalized autistic group undergoing dental education programme and the non-autistic group selected from our general hospital. Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) and the DMF score were also calculated for both groups.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in OHI scores between institution trained autistic children and non-autistic controls, but we found no significant difference in decayed, missing, and filled teeth.

Conclusion: Autistic children exhibit good cooperation and good response to Dental education programmes, significantly improving their oral health conditions.