Adolescents with ASD Face Higher Periodontitis Risk Says Study

Taiwan: Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face an increased risk of developing periodontitis, according to a new study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association. The study, titled “Autism spectrum disorder and periodontitis risk,” was conducted by Taiwanese researchers who analyzed data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Periodontitis Risk in Adolescents With and Without ASD

The researchers aimed to investigate the risk of periodontitis in adolescents with ASD compared to those without an ASD diagnosis. They obtained data from 2001 through December 31, 2011, including information on 3,473 adolescents with ASD and 34,730 age- and sex-matched individuals without an ASD diagnosis. 

The findings of the study revealed that adolescents with ASD were more likely to develop periodontitis during the follow-up period compared to those without an ASD diagnosis. The hazard ratio was calculated to be 2.01, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 1.84 to 2.20. 

Consistent Across Sexes

Subanalyses stratified by sex and intellectual disability consistently supported these results. Additionally, individuals with ASD experienced the onset of periodontitis at an earlier mean age compared to those without an ASD diagnosis (17.97 [3.12] years vs. 21.86 [2.28] years; P < .001).

These results indicate that autism spectrum disorder is an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of periodontitis. The study suggests that oral health should be closely monitored in adolescents with ASD to address their higher susceptibility to periodontal issues. The authors further emphasize the need for future investigations into the shared underlying mechanisms between periodontitis and autism spectrum disorder.

The study sheds light on the oral health challenges faced by individuals with ASD, who often encounter difficulties with daily oral hygiene practices and limited access to oral healthcare services. By recognizing the increased risk of periodontitis in this population, dental professionals and healthcare providers can better tailor preventive and treatment approaches to ensure optimal oral health for adolescents with ASD.

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