The role of oral health education-related preventive program in improving the oral health of autistic children: A questionnaire-based study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The poor oral health in terms of dental caries and periodontal involvement significantly affects the lives of autistic children. Hence, parents of these children must be educated through preventive programs for improving their oral health. The present study aimed to assess the role of oral health-related educational and preventive programs in improvement of oral health of autistic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective questionnaire-based study was conducted following Institute’s ethics committee approval at clinic specially treating children with special needs. Totally, 50 autistic and 50 healthy children were selected on a random basis. Informed consent from parents or caregivers and assent from participating children were obtained before beginning of data collection. All children were rated for behavioral modification using the Frankl’s rating scale. Saliva was tested for improvement in oral hygiene using the Cariogram model. A pre-validated questionnaire was circulated among parents at first examination and was repeated at 6 months interval. The oral cavity along with teeth was examined under natural light conditions by a single trained examiner. The oral health status was examined using dft/DMFT indices. Descriptive statistics was recorded as “mean ± standard deviation”scores. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in oral health as well as knowledge of children and their parents were found through the intervention of education tools such as use of models, pictures, live demonstrations, and verbal communication. CONCLUSION: Imparting knowledge to the parents regarding oral hygiene practices and importance of dental visit is important as it can significantly improve the oral health of children, especially one who suffer from autism.