Oral health practices and challenges facing parents of autistic children in the Western Cape (2021)

Abstract

Background: Periodontal status and oral hygiene practices are found to be deficient in autistic children. This is attributed to challenges in oral health practices at home and the ability to provide dental treatment in the clinic. Aim: The aim of this research was to identify and understand parental challenges regarding oral health practices of autistic children at home and to identify the barriers related to dental treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children attending autism support group centres in the Western Cape. Data collection was completed through a structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire was comprised of socio-demographics, pharmacotherapeutic treatment of the child, oral health challenges faced by parents at home, and oral health challenges in the dental clinic.