Difficulties of Parents in Oral Hygiene and Dental Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are classified as neurodevelopmental disorders and represent a significant global health concern, particularly in the field of Dentistry. Typically, ASD is diagnosed in children after the age of 3 and is characterised by a set of core criteria involving impairments in social, communicative, and behavioural development. Aims: To analyse the challenges faced by parents of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the municipality of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, both in performing regular oral hygiene measures and during dental care of these patients. Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted with 39 children.The research was carried out online through the support group "Grupo Interativo de Pais Eficientes" (GIPE). The study population consisted of parents or guardians of children aged 3 to 10 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD, who participated in the support group located in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between the months of August, September, and October 2024. An online questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic, behavioural, and oral hygiene-related data. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 22.0, through descriptive and bivariate analyses, employing Pearson's chi-square test, with a significance level of 5% (p ≤ .05). Results: It was observed that 52.4% of children with moderate to severe ASD required physical restraint during toothbrushing (P = .002). There was an association between the need for medication use during dental treatment and stabilization for toothbrushing (P = .04). In addition, the use of nitrous oxide during dental care (P = .01) and dependent toothbrushing (P < .001) were also associated with the need for stabilization for toothbrushing. Conclusion: Difficulties in home toothbrushing were associated with the severity of autism, dependence on caregivers for toothbrushing, and the use of sedative medications during dental care. Awareness and training for both caregivers and healthcare professionals are essential to promote more effective and accessible dental care, significantly contributing to these children.