Challenges and solutions in managing dental problems in children with autism

Table 10 Differences in prevalence and types of dental issues between children with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical peers

Dental issue	Children with ASD	Neurotypical children
Caries (Cavities)	Varies; some studies report lower rates (due to diet and assistance with oral hygiene), while others indicate higher rates (due to difficulty in brushing and dietary preferences)	Generally moderate to high prevalence, influenced by diet and hygiene habits
Gingivitis	Higher prevalence due to oral hygiene challenges and sensory sensitivities that make brushing and flossing difficult	Lower prevalence with proper hygiene habits
Periodontal disease	Increased risk due to poor oral hygiene, limited dental visits, and difficulty tolerating dental care	Less common but can occur with inadequate hygiene
Malocclusion (Misalignment of Teeth)	More frequent, often associated with oral habits like bruxism, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use	Less frequent but can occur due to genetic or environmental factors
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)	High prevalence; often linked to anxiety, sensory processing issues, or self-stimulatory behaviors	Less common; usually stress-related
Dental trauma	Higher prevalence due to self-injurious behaviors, seizures, or lack of motor coordination	Occurs mainly due to accidents during play or sports
Drooling and hypersalivation	More common, associated with low muscle tone and neurological differences	Less common, usually seen in younger children
Hypoplasia (Enamel Defects)	Increased prevalence; may be linked to genetic factors, medication use, or nutritional deficiencies	Less frequent but can still occur
Tooth extraction needs	Higher due to untreated dental issues, poor cooperation during treatment, and difficulty accessing dental care	Lower, as routine dental visits and interventions prevent extractions
Dental visit challenges	Anxiety, sensory sensitivities, difficulty with cooperation, and communication barriers lead to fewer and less successful visits	Generally cooperative with routine dental care, with fewer barriers

ASD: Autism spectrum disorder.