Oral Health Status in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the oral health status and hygiene practices of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and to assess parental awareness regardingtheir children’s oral care. Methods: The study was conducted involving 53 children aged 3 - 18 years with a confirmed ASD diagnosis, recruited from the “Autism Pobedim” rehabilitation center in Almaty. Clinical examinations assessed caries using the DMFT/dmft, CAST indices, and oral hygiene using the OHI-S index. A 36-item parental questionnaire collected information on children’s oral hygiene routines, dental care experiences, and behavioral characteristics. Results: The study revealed inadequate oral hygiene practices, with only 24.5% of children brushing their teeth twice daily. Most children relied on parental assistance for brushing. Notably, 30.2% had never visited a dentist, and among those who had, 58.5% exhibited behavioral difficulties requiring sedation, restraint, or general anesthesia. Only 39.6% of dental visits resulted in completed treatment. Dietary habits were unfavorable, with 71.7% of children consuming sweets between meals and just17% rinsing their mouths after eating. While 75.5% of parents were aware of toothpaste composition, there was limited professional guidance and a lack of adapted dental services. Conclusion: Children with ASD in Almaty showed a high prevalence of dental caries, limited independent oral hygiene, and significant challenges accessing effective dental care. These findings highlight the urgent need for specialized dental care protocols and public health strategies tailored to the needs of children with ASD in Kazakhstan.