Dental Care of Autistic Children in Kuwait Autism Centre

Objectives: Autism is a lifelong, severe, organic disorder characterised by abnormalities in the brain, especially the cerebellum and limbic system. Children with an autistic disorder may need more dental care and may also be more difficult to treat than healthy children. This preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the need for dental care in the autistic centre in Kuwait. Also explored was the dental management of autistic children in the centre. Methods: 18 patients aged between 4-18 years were examined by two examiners. The number of fillings, caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and degree of oral hygiene were recorded. The parents completed a questionnaire which included general health, number of siblings, medical history, dental history and oral hygiene habits of their children. Results: All children had visible plaque on their maxillary incisors and canines and also the mandibular incisors with signs of gingival inflammation. More than 50 % of patients had caries, with two cases of rampant caries. About 40% of the patients had amalgam restorations. Autoextractions were reported in 22% of patients. The need for orthodontic treatment also seemed to be high in these patients. According to the assessment by the two examiners, autistic children were less able to cooperate in the dental examination and treatment. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the care provided to autistic children in the centre needs improvement. There should be more regular visits to dental clinics, improved daily oral hygiene and access to dental specialists when necessary.