Dental and mandibular radio-density variations in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Background: Children with ASDs pose the greatest challenge for pediatric dentists due to their complex and varied oral and dental manifestations. Aim: the present study was designed to compare the degree of dental root development of permanent teeth and the mandibular radio-density of a group of children with ASDs with healthy children. Materials and methods: Thirty children (6-8 years) were included in this study, fifteen of the children had been previously been diagnosed with ASDs (autistic group B) while the other fifteen were healthy children (control group A). Digital panoramic radiographs for all children were obtained for bilateral measurement of the root length and the apical width of the lower permanent first molars and central incisors. In addition, the radio-density of the mandibular bone at the symphysis and the angle regions was evaluated. Results: Group B showed statistically significant shorter mean root length values than the group A for the first permanent molars. While for apical root width; group B showed statistically significant wider mean apical width values than group A for both permanent central incisors and first molars. Regarding the mandibular radio-density, the autistic group showed statistically significant lower mean values than the control group at both, angle of the mandible and the sympheseal areas. Conclusion: Children with ASDs experience significant delayed dental development and lower mandibular bone radio-density compared to normal children.