Oral Health and Dietary Habits in Children with Autism

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess both the intensity of dental caries and its relationship with eating habits in children with autism, as well as malocclusions in such children. The study includes 60 children with autism, aged 7 to 15 years and a control group of healthy children. Dental caries has been assessed using the D1MFT index, whereas diet has been evaluated using a food diary. The data have demonstrated that most children reported frequent intake of carbohydrate foods. The results have shown that their daily diet includes a number of high-risk foods responsible for the development of dental caries, such as junk foods. High values of the D1MFT index have been reported. A part of the children experience sensitivity to the consistency of food, its appearance, taste, and smell. Among the examined children, there is a predominance of children with ANGLE Class I – 57, both autistic and healthy. ANGLE Class II (distal occlusion) is observed in 50 of them. There are a few children with ANGLE Class III occlusion. High intensity of dental caries and unhealthy eating habits have been established in children with autism, and a mandatory control of the diet is therefore required.