Evaluation of Oral Hygiene, Caries and Malocclusion Status among Children with Autism

Abstract

Children with ASD are frequently reported with oral diseases like gum diseases, bruxism, self-inflicted injury, dry mouth, non nutritive chewing, and tongue thrusting. In addition, it has been reported that such individuals also had malocclusions such as high-arched palate and anterior open bite.Moreover, in studies evaluating dental status  in these children, different results have been obtained.There is inadequate information about the prevalence of dental disease and access to dental care among children with autism. Our study aims at evaluating the oral health, malocclusion and caries status in children with ASD. A proforma was designed and consisted of . The study population included 60 children with autism in Chennai. The children were clinically examined and the data collected was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. The results show that the 60%(n=36) of children with autism brushed once daily and 40%(n=24) of the children brushed twice daily. 38.3%(n=23) of the children had thumbsucking habit followed by tongue thrusting 31.7(n=19); lip biting 15%(n=9); cheek biting 15%(n=9). 40%(n=24) of children with autism had poor oral hygiene,  33.3%(n=20) had fair ohis score and 26.7%(n=16) of the children had good oral hygiene.  36.6%(n=24) of the children had 20>dmft score.  71.7%(n=43) of children with autism had malocclusion,  and .28.3%(n=17) of the children did not have malocclusion. 56.7%(n=34) of the children with autism had definite malocclusion, 15%(n=9) had minor malocclusion, 15%(n=9) had severe malocclusion and 13.3%(n=8) had handicapping malocclusion.  36.6%(n=22) of the children with autism had proclination.