Caries Incidence in Healthy Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by deficits in communication and social interaction and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviors. Children with ASD also have sensory integration issues that can cause them to be selective with textures of foods, snack frequently, and tend to have a predilection for sticky and sweet foods. Siblings of children with ASD also snack frequently. A retrospective chart review was conducted at a private pediatric dental practice in Coppell, Texas that treats autistic children and their siblings. Forty-five charts of healthy siblings of children with ASD and 43 charts of age-matched, healthy-healthy sibling pairs were reviewed. The number of decayed, missing, filled teeth (dmft) was recorded in each reviewed chart. No significant difference in dmft was found between the control group and the healthy siblings of children with ASD. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects a child with ASD child has on the oral health of the family and healthy siblings.