Oral Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an intellectual developmental disorder characterized by a range of disabilities in communication, social interaction, language, and abstract concepts. Persons with ASD have difficulty verbalizing their needs and often express themselves with behaviors that are not understood.

Malocclusions, such as tooth crowding, open bite, poor tongue coordination, and a tendency to pouch food inside the mouth instead of swallowing, are common and can lead to poor oral health. Persons with ASD often have negative oral habits like nocturnal bruxism, lip biting, and tongue thrusting. In addition, they are often sensitive to the taste of toothpaste and have a lack of coordination for brushing.

Persons with ASD may be challenged by dental treatment due to their hypersensitivity to sensations, lack of ability to communicate, and difficulty managing their emotions. Therefore, it is often a challenge to locate dental settings equipped to provide an appropriate clinical environment. This paucity of resources increases the risk for oral health disparities, which can lead to significant oral health problems. Health professionals caring for patients with autism need to be aware of these concerns, provide a calm, consistent environment, and prioritize anticipatory guidance for caregivers on the importance of offering behavioral guidance techniques for oral hygiene care and promoting oral health at home. The goals of behavioral guidance techniques in the dental setting are to develop rapport, lessen anxiety, and provide quality dental treatments while building a trusting and positive relationship for a lifetime between the professional and patient.