Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
https://revodontolunesp.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1807-2577.20250039
Revista de Odontologia da UNESP
Original Article

Risk classification in children with autism spectrum disorder and identification of potential for early tooth loss due to dental caries: an observational cross-sectional clinical study

Classificação de risco em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista e identificação de potencial para perda dentária precoce por cárie dentária: estudo clínico transversal observacional

Alessandra Marcondes ARANEGA; Daniela Atili BRANDIN; Caio Jesus de SOUZA; João Victor Soares RODRIGUES; Leticia Helena THEODORO

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-2577.20250039 Rev. odontol. UNESP, vol.54, e20250039, 2025
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Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, as well as social, behavioral, and cognitive functioning.

Objective: The main objective was to analyze the risk of caries in children with ASD compared to those with ND.

Material and method: A total of 116 children participated in the study, including 55 diagnosed with ASD and 61 with ND. Parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire. All children underwent a clinical oral examination and were classified according to the Risk Classification for Major Oral Conditions–SES/SP, as outlined in Resolution SS–12. Statistical analyses were conducted with a significance threshold of α = 0.05.

Result: Of the participants, 72 were male and 44 female (p < 0.05). A significantly higher prevalence of sound teeth was observed in the ND group (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were found for other variables. Regarding biofilm accumulation, significant differences were noted in both low- and high-risk categories (p < 0.05). The ASD group demonstrated a significantly higher risk for dental caries (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Children with ASD exhibited a greater risk of developing dental caries compared to their neurotypical peers, as determined by the SES/SP risk classification.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder; dental caries; oral health

Resumo

Introdução: O transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) é uma desordem do desenvolvimento neurológico que afeta a comunicação, o desempenho social, comportamental e intelectual.

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o risco de cárie em crianças com TEA e crianças com desenvolvimento neurotípico (DN).

Material e método: Foram incluídas 116 crianças, sendo 55 com TEA e 61 com DN. Os pais responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico. Todas as crianças foram submetidas a exame clínico e à classificação de risco segundo a Classificação de Risco às Principais Afecções Bucais–SES/SP, conforme preconizada pela Resolução SS – 12. Os dados foram submetidos a análise estatística, considerando nível de α=5%.

Resultado: Dentre as crianças, 72 eram do sexo masculino e 44 do feminino (p<0,05). Na análise do fator cárie, observou-se diferença significante entre os grupos na condição de dentes hígidos, com maior prevalência no grupo DN (p<0,05), nas demais variáveis, não houve diferença significante. No fator biofilme, foi observada diferença significante entre os grupos tanto nos riscos baixo quanto alto (p<0,05). Em relação ao risco de cárie, verificou-se diferença significante entre os grupos, sendo observado maior risco no grupo TEA (p<0,05).

Conclusão: As crianças com TEA apresentam maior risco de cárie quando comparado ao grupo DN, segundo a avaliação de classificação de risco.

Palavras-chave

Transtorno do espectro autista; cárie dentária; saúde bucal

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Submitted date:
11/03/2025

Accepted date:
11/18/2025

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