Dental care to patients with autism: clinical management guidelines

Abstract

Objective: to carry out a literature review about autism spectrum disorder, discussing the oral needs of these subjects and proposing guidelines for dental professionals to make it possible to offer dental care to people with autism in their clinical practices. Material and Methods: we searched the databases of the Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library, where articles of systematic reviews, meta-analysis and clinical trials were selected between the periods 2008 to 2018. Results: we selected 28 articles that define and discuss the condition of the autism spectrum disorder and its relationship with oral health. The studies also point out the difficulties of parents and dental professionals regarding oral hygiene and the reception of these subjects in a dental environment. Conclusion: reflecting on these practices and new approaches, we consider a new professional conduct, aimed at raising the quality of dental care to the patient with autism.