Risk factors for anterior traumatic dental injury in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: a case-control study.

AIM: This was to assess and compare risk factors for traumatic dental injury (TDI) among children/adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

METHODS: The study consisted of 122 children and adolescents (98 males, 24 females), 61 with ASD (study group) and 61 without ASD (control group, CG). Dental injuries were determined according to Andreaseńss classification. The cause, location and type of activity at the time of trauma were recorded from patient/carer recollection.

RESULTS: Subjects with ASD presented higher percentages of TDI in routine activities (P = 0.003), falling while walking and episodes of self-harm (P = 0.007) in the individual's own residence (P = 0.036). TDI prevalence in the ASD group was higher (39.3%) than in the CG (26.2%) though not significant, (P = 0.123). Girls with ASD presented a significantly higher TDI percentage (50.0%) compared with girls from the CG (8.3%) (P = 0.024). Enamel fracture was the most frequent type of TDI for both groups (P = 0.292). The teeth most commonly affected were #11 and #21 for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with ASD exhibit different risk factors for TDI compared with those without ASD, and girls with ASD are more prone than boys.