Dental Treatment of Autistic Patients

Abstract

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social and communication interactions. Parentally induced autism, brain injury/anomalies, constitutional vulnerability, and developmental aphasia have been incriminated in the epidemiology of the disease. Other suspected etiologies are structural cerebellar changes, genetics, viral infections, and immunological abnormalities, with various teratogens and vaccines. Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) displayed prevalence rates of about 1%, and a fourfold higher predominance of men over women. The life expectancy of autistic patients is reduced, and the death rates seem to be higher than in the general population. Dental and oral pathologies are mainly carious lesions and periodontitis. Many autistic patients are uncooperative and required general anesthesia during dental treatments. Diagnosis of autistic dental diseases includes self‐extraction of primary teeth, autistic syndrome and self-injurious behaviors. Most ASD are unmarried, poorly educated, and economically deprived. The number of adults with ASD grows. Some have a level of independence that allows full participation in their healthcare decisions; others have impairments that require dependence on caregivers to mediate the healthcare they receive.