Oral Health Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Presenting in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Volume 1 - Issue 5

Ashu Michael Agbor¹*, Carine Flore Moyopo Sugim¹, Leonard Tedong¹ and Sudeshni Naidoo²

Received: February 25, 2019;   Published: March 22, 2019

DOI: 10.32474/SJO.2019.01.000123

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Abstract

Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present with a lifelong neuro-developmental disorder that makes them prone to oral diseases. The aim of the present study was to describe the oral health status of children with ASD attending autism centers of Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in seven specialized centers caring for children with autism. A structured questionnaire and clinical examinations were used to collect the data.

Results: Ninety six children aged between 3 to 14 years, the majority of whom were boys (80%), were recruited into the study. The majority were from kindergarten (75%) and the remainder primary schools. Tooth brushing for most of the children (71%) was carried out by their mother. Half of the children brushed once a day with the help of their mothers usually in the morning before breakfast, using toothbrushes and toothpaste. Most of the children consumed soft and sweet diets that included sweetened fruit juices and had never been to a dentist. The prevalence of caries was 66.13%. Dental caries was more pronounced in the 7 to 11 year old age group. Almost half (45.21%) had gingivitis associated with plaque and calculus and 59.19% had gingival bleeding. The prevalence of trauma to both hard and soft oral tissues was 45.83% while the prevalence of dental abnormalities was 31%. The treatment needs of the children include dental fillings, scaling and curettage.

Conclusion: Children with ASD presented with a high prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases, bad breath and dental trauma to hard and soft tissues.

Recommendation: Since autism patients present with many functional and clinical problems, a multidisciplinary approach is needed in Cameroon for the management of medical, dental and behavioral problems.

Keywords Autism Spectrum Disease; Cameroon; Children; Oral health

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