Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the preferences of parents of children with or without autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) concerning oral health and dental treatment.

 Methods: A questionnaire that queried demographics, dental needs, perceptions of dental materials and treatments, and parental concerns regarding relevant ASD issues in medicine and dentistry was distributed in the waiting rooms of a pediatric dental clinic and an autism clinic to parents or legal guardians of children undergoing treatment. The responses for the children with or without ASDs were compared.

 Results: Statistically significant differences between the ASDs (n=23) and non-ASDs (n=33) groups existed for: parental age frequency of dental visits per year supervision of tooth-brushing and use of a fluoridated toothpaste. Statistically insignificant differences were found in attitudes toward: amalgam composite fluoride products or behavior guidance techniques.

 Conclusions: Parents or legal guardians of children with autism spectrum disorders are likely to have special beliefs and preferences regarding dental materials and dental behavior guidance.

 Source: Journal of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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