Do autistic children usually have bad teeth too?

Question

Is it common for Autistic children to have teeth problems?

Answer 1

A very good family friend has an autistic boy... the extent of his dental problems are mainly centered on finding (and being able to pay for) a dentist that specializes or is capable of treating autistic children.

Then you have to deal with the insurance companies duking it out over whether it is a medical or dental procedure. The dental insurance will say its medical and the medical insurance will say it is dental.

My thoughts and prayers are with you on all you have to do.

Answer 2

My brother is 13 and is autistic. He has sensory deficits. He hates the feeling of the toothpaste from the dentist and his own at home. He also does not like the feeling of the bristles on the brush. He also has crooked teeth \, but that tends to run in the family. Also, he cannot stand the feeling of braces against his gums. So, from his experiences that I have seen, most autistic children do have teeth problems, but more along the line of not wanting to brush them and then not being able to withstand dental procedures.

Answer 3

There is nothing about autism which would say that autistic children necessarily have bad teeth. Now many autistic children do lack certain skills such as social, hygienic, along with many others. So based on this, I would say there may be a greater chance for autistic children to have bad teeth, but that much greater.

Answer 4

I used to teach autistic children. The only reason they would have bad teeth is if they have not accepted brushing. It is possible they may be resistant to brushing/have their teeth brushed, but if they were taught the right way from a young age, that should not be a problem.

Answer 5

My son is autistic, and yes he has bad teeth. Its not just about "teaching them proper dental hygiene"..it can be a major sensory issue with some autistic children. My son for example. I try and try and try to brush his teeth, and it took 4 years to get him to allow me to fully brush his teeth without getting a black eye or a busted lip, or half my hair ripped out. He just absolutely could not stand it, and you would have thought I was trying to murder him. Even giving him the toothbrush himself didnt work, he just kept trying to stab himself or me with it. I was simply tired of worrying about if I would wind up with a broken nose trying to keep his teeth brushed. So I at least tried cleaning his teeth with a wash cloth the best I could, kept him from sugary drinks as much as possible, and at least when he did have something like that, after drink water and rinse his mouth. Now he's 4 and a half, and will allow me to brush his teeth, but the damage is done. The hard part is trying to find a dentist who will be able to work on his mouth despite his autism. THAT is the biggest challenge now =/

Answer 6

I don't thing an autistic child would automatically have bad teeth. Autistic children tend to shy away from contact with other people. Because of their withdrawal from others, it may be difficult for them to learn hygeinic practices, and they may be unwilling to let others do this for them. This could lead to bad teeth, unclean body, etc.

Answer 7

Because of an autistic child's sensory integration deficits, they often resist brushing teeth and dental procedures. Yes, autistics (and other children with sensory sensitivity) often have dental problems.

Your child's Occupational Therapist should have training in, and be able to provide, Sensory Integration therapy.

http://www.comeunity.com/disability/sensory_integration/index.html

http://www.sensoryint.com/

Answer 8

No, the only problems are the inability to work in groups, etc., but a autistic child could have something against dental hygene, and just refuse to care for their teeth.

Answer 9

Autistic children can look like any other child out there. They tend to have mental problems, but can excel in a specific areas like art. Of course, genetics and bad brushing habbits can lead to bad teeth... but they aren't prone to it.

Answer 10

Yes! Yes! Yes! Autism is not simply a neurological disorder. It is a bio-medical condition that affects these kids whole bodies! Our special needs dentist deals almost exclusively with children with autism and Down Syndrome. She says all these kids have really bad teeth. With autism, part of it is the sensory issues with brushing/flossing, but she believes part of it is that these kids also all seem to have issues with digestion, gut issues, picky eating, toxicity and food allergies leading to dietary restrictions, malnourishment and vitamin deficiency, and bad teeth. Find a special needs dentist, who knows their stuff. They will consider your child high risk for dental problems and keep an extra careful eye on things, prescribe special toothpaste, etc.