Challenges and solutions in managing dental problems in children with autism

Table 6 Summary of studies on digital app use for improving dental and oral health in children with autism

Ref.	Population	Intervention	Comparison	Outcome	Study design	Key findings	Study quality rating
Tan et al[52], 2024	Caregivers and autistic children	Development of a mobile app with social stories, visual schedules, and communication tools for caregivers and dentists	No mobile app intervention	App was well-received by experts and parents; improved awareness and access to oral health resources	Developmental study	Highlighted the need for digital tools to support caregivers in managing oral health of autistic children	Moderate quality
Krishnan et al[53], 2021	Adolescents with ASD (13-17 years)	Mobile app (Brush Up) vs visual pedagogy for oral health education	No digital intervention	Significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores in both intervention groups	Interventional parallel-arm study	Mobile apps and visual pedagogy were equally effective in improving oral hygiene in autistic adolescents	High quality
Lefer et al[54], 2018	Children with ASD (3-19 years)	Tablet-based training program using pictograms (çATED app) for tooth brushing	Traditional instruction	Improved brushing skills and autonomy in children using the app	Exploratory study	Demonstrated effectiveness of digital tools in teaching oral hygiene habits	High quality
Stamatović et al[55], 2023	Children with ASD and their families	Mobile app in Serbian for dentist visit support	No app intervention	App improved cooperation with dentists and reduced anxiety	Cross-sectional study	Suggested mobile apps can help autistic children adapt to dental visits	Moderate quality

ASD: Autism spectrum disorder; çATED: Digital agenda designed for individuals with autism (name of the application).