Comparative evaluation of the dental caries status among autistic and non-autistic children

Abstract

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Autism Society of Malaysia. The objective of the study was to report the physical health status of children with autism in Malaysia. Sixty–nine children participated in study. Each child underwent a routine medical and oral health examination. Significant variation in weight, and oral health status was observed in the participants. As per CDC weight chart, 17%
of the study populations were observed to be obese, 4% were overweight and 9% were underweight. Participants were also screened for routine medical examination for lung, heart and abdomen abnormalities. All were reported normal except 25% of study group showed low blood pressure. An examination of the oral health status of the participants revealed that 35% had plaque; 7% had calculus and 25% showed caries.