Organization of Dental Care for Children, Including Those with Autism Spectrum Disorders

RESEARCH(ASD), the statistical data were as follows-a study by Boss et al. 3 conducted in central Italy showed that 66.38% of children with ASD exhibited dental caries, while 79.26% had gingivitis.The primary causes were identified as specific dietary habits and restricted access to dental care.Similarly, in Cameroon, as noted by Agbor et al.,4 the prevalence of dental caries among children with ASD was 66.13%, and gingivitis was observed in 45.21%.These children were also more likely to experience gum bleeding and dental trauma.The issue addressed by several researchers concerns the high prevalence of dental diseases among individuals with mental disorders, attributed to poor oral hygiene, the effects of psychotropic IntroductIonTeeth in childhood affect not only the physical health of a child but also their psychological comfort.Dental diseases can cause pain and discomfort and impact the ability to eat properly, which in turn affects appetite and the quality of nutrition.This is essential for the proper development of the body and immunity.Furthermore, dental problems may lead to difficulties in communication and lower self-esteem, as a smile plays an important role in social interactions.Establishing the habit of dental care from an early age promotes not only oral health but also the development of responsibility and hygienic culture.Prevention and regular checkups help avoid serious diseases and treatments in the future, which is crucial for ensuring the health and comfort of the child.Therefore, dental care for children is not only a medical necessity but also an essential element of overall development and social well-being.Regarding the prevalence of oral diseases, Krol et al. 1 in their study indicate that among children aged 2-19 years, dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases, with prevalence rates exceeding 40% in the United States.Despite an increase in dental visits, significant inequalities in access to dental care persist among socioeconomic groups.A study conducted by Zhumadilova et al. 2 among schoolchildren aged 11-15 in four regions of Kazakhstan revealed that the overall prevalence of dental caries was 74%.Among the children examined, 44% were found to have visibly affected teeth, but only 6% had extracted teeth, and 24% received treatment for dental caries.With regard to children with autism spectrum disorders 1,