The specific neuropsychological and sensory profile found in persons with autism spectrum disorders complicate dental procedures and as a result of this, most are treated under general anesthesia or unnecessary sedation. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a short treatment and education of autistic and related communication-handicapped children-based intervention program (five sessions) to facilitate a 10-component oral assessment in children (n = 38, aged 4-9 years) and adults (n = 34, aged 19-41) with autism spectrum disorder (with or without associated intellectual disability). The assessment ranges from entering into the examination room to the evaluation of the dental occlusion. There were statistically significant differences in the number of components reached and in compliance before and after the training program.

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Introduction: Older people tend to have poor oral health, which can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to explore the relationship of the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) with sociodemographic variables and the dental health status of older people who belong to Elderly Clubs in the district of Puerto Montt, Chile. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 140 elderly people from Elderly Clubs in the district of Puerto Montt, Chile. Sociodemographic and dental variables were studied using a questionnaire and clinical examination. The GOHAI instrument validated in Chile was applied to measure the OHRQoL. Results: The mean of the total GOHAI was 50.8±8.6 points, and the median was 53. Of the 140 elderly people, 87.9% were females, the means of age and years of education were 73.2±6.2 and 7.5±4.4 years, respectively. 30% were edentulous, the number of remaining teeth was 7.8±8.1, the OHI-S was 1.3±1.0. 85.7% wore dentures, and the time of denture wearing was 8.8±9.4 years. Significant associations were found between the total GOHAI and non-belonging to an indigenous people (p=0.024), being edentulous (p=0.006), and the presence of healthy teeth (p=0.039). Conclusion: The GOHAI showed a significant relationship with not-belonging to an indigenous ethnicity, being edentulous, and the number of healthy teeth. The OHRQoL was higher in males, with formal education, edentulous, dentated without teeth mobility, with complete dentures, and moderate denture hygiene.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and highly heterogeneous disorder, which affects social communication and behavior, with the presence of repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests.1 Many authors agree that oral hygiene in people with ASD is deficient, with a higher oral hygiene index than in people without ASD2-4 mainly due to the multiple sensory alterations, lack of manual dexterity, the consumption of snacks between meals,1,5 the presence of hypotonia of the perioral muscles6 and a negative behavior towards dental care.7 Therefore, the general characteristics of people with ASD could lead to a series of problems in the health and oral hygiene of these patients, so it is necessary for dentists to know the oral hygiene habits that people with ASD may have, especially toothbrushing habits, which can contribute to worsening oral hygiene in these patients, increasing the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. This review aims to compare oral brushing habits among people with and without ASD reported in the literature, since brushing is a basic element of great importance for the maintenance of optimal oral hygiene.