Oral health and quality of life in preschool children with autism: evidence from Kosovo.

purposeTo evaluate differences in oral health status and parent/caregiver-reported oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and healthy controls.

methodsA cross-sectional study included 90 children aged 4-6 years (45 with ASD and 45 controls). Oral health was assessed using WHO guidelines with Gingival, Plaque, Erosive Wear, and Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth indices. Parents completed questionnaires covering WHO oral health (Q1-Q14), ASD-specific items (Q15-Q25), and P-CPQ-16. The differences between the groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The questionnaire results, represented as percentages, were compared between groups utilizing Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's exact, or the Monte Carlo test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

resultsNo significant differences in oral health status existed between groups. OHRQoL showed significant differences within the ASD group, with higher P-CPQ-16 scores affecting "emotional well-being," "functional limitations," and "social well-being" (p < 0.001), while "oral symptoms" showed no difference. ASD children had fewer dental visits, mainly for toothaches, and brushed teeth less often (p = 0.035), with increased behavioral difficulties during dental visits (p < 0.001). No differences existed in fluoride toothpaste use, gingival condition, toothache experience, or dietary habits. ASD children had more difficulty with hard foods (p = 0.029) and higher self-injurious behavior (p ≤ 0.010).

conclusionChildren with ASD experienced significantly poorer OHRQoL, especially in functional, emotional, and social domains. Promoting oral health through the education of parents and caregivers could help enhance the oral health-related quality of life and well-being of children with ASD.