Dental Professionals Treating Adults with Autism

Oral Health Fact Sheet for Dental Professionals Treating Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autistic disorder is the abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication coupled with a restricted repertoire of activity and interest. Manifestations of the disorder vary depending on the developmental level and chronological age of the individual. (ICD 9 Code 299.0)

Autism is one diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which includes:

• Autistic Disorder (also called “classic” autism)
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) – Not Otherwise Specified
• Asperger syndrome

Prevalence

• 1/80 – 1/240, with an average of 1/100. 4-5:1 boys
• 41%, on average, have an Intellectual Disability (IQ < 70)
• Unrelated to race, socioeconomic status, education

*There is no medical or genetic test for Autism. Diagnosis is solely on clinical diagnostic testing.

The manifestations below are relevant for individuals with classic autism:

Manifestations

Clinical

Impairment in social reciprocity

• inability to read and comprehend the feelings, experiences and motives of others

Impaired communication skills

• delayed language development, echolalia [repeating words], trouble using and understanding gestures; body language, and tone of voice

Atypical behavior

• repetitive motions, strict adherence to routines, attachment to unusual objects, stereotypical movements, self-injurious behaviors
• may include hyperactivity, short attention span, impulsivity, aggressiveness, temper tantrums, and unusual responses to sensory input

Oral

• Bruxism (20-25%)
• Non-nutritive chewing
• Tongue thrusting
• Self-injury (picking at gingiva, biting lips) creating ulcerations
• Erosion (many parents report regurgitation, medical consult may be indicated)
• Caries-similar to general population.  Encourage healthy diet and low sugar intake or sugar-free substitution
  due to dietary and oral hygiene limitations, if present.
• Poor oral hygiene since home care measures are exceedingly difficult for many individuals
• Many individuals have very limited dietary preferences (exclusively pureed foods, no fruits/vegetables, etc.)

Other Potential Disorders/Concerns

• Epilepsy
• Depression/Anxiety
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Schizophrenia

Management

Medication

• Many individuals with autism are medically healthy and take few medications.
• Many individuals with autism take vitamins, herbal and mineral supplements.
• Medications are prescribed based on symptoms and can produce several side effects.

The list of medications below are intended to serve only as a guide to facilitate the dental professional’s understanding of medications that can be used for Autism or conditions associated with Autism. Medical protocols can vary for individuals with Autism from none to multiple medications.

Behavioral: Difficulty  cooperating in the dental chair a nd adhering to oral hygiene regimens

Guidance:

Before any dental care:

• Determine patient history of dental experiences. Discuss with patient (or caregiver) approaches that may lead to a more successful dental experience.
  • Plan a desensitization appointment to help the individual become familiar with your office and staff, if appropriate.
• Talk to patient (or caregiver) about patient’s tolerance to physical contact. Determine the patient’s level of intellectual and cognitive abilities.
•  Determine if additional patient management strategies may be required.

During appointment:

• Speak directly in clear, concrete terms.
• Start the oral examination slowly, gauging patient comfort level. Use of a toothbrush to start the exam may be advised, and then to a mouth mirror. If tolerated, continue introducing experiences slowly.
• Keep dental instruments out of sight and keep light out of the patient’s eyes. Reduce other sensory input, such as sounds and odors that may be distracting to the patient.
• Avoid interruptions and have as few staff as needed in operatory.
• Give positive verbal reinforcement. Ignore inappropriate behavior as possible.
• Observe unusual body movements and anticipate future movements. Keep area around the dental chair clear.
• Immobilization techniques may be used only with consent to keep the patient from potential injury. Choose the least restrictive method that will allow delivery of care safely.
• Use the same staff, dental operatory, and appointment time each visit if appropriate and possible.
• Ask patient or caregiver for medication updates at each appointment. Medication changes can affect the appropriate care of the patient from a medical and/or appointment management standpoint.
• Sedation may be used with appropriate precautions and possible physician consult.
• General anesthesia may be required for complex surgical or restorative treatment.

Follow up appointments:

Keep subsequent appointments short and to the point

Dental Treatment and Prevention

• • Consider prescribing a mouth guard for higher functioning individuals with severe bruxism or self-injurious behavior.
• Powered toothbrushes may be too stimulating for some adults and should be recommended only after determining if the adult will tolerate one.
• Seizure management during treatment: Remove all dental instruments from the mouth. Clear the area around the dental chair. Stay with the patient and turn to one side. Monitor airway to reduce risk of aspiration. Note time seizure begins: if seizure continues >3 mins call EMS – there is danger of Status Epilepticus (potentially life threatening).
• As needed for patients with xerostomia:
  • Educate on proper oral hygiene (brushing, flossing) and nutrition.
  • Recommend brushing teeth with a fluoride containing dentifrice before bedtime. After brushing, apply neutral 1.1% fluoride gel (e.g., Prevident 5000 gel) in trays or by brush for 2 minutes. Instruct patient to spit out excess gel and NOT to rinse with water, eat or drink before going to bed.
  • Recommend xylitol mints, lozenges, and/or gum to stimulate saliva production and caries resistance

Look for signs of physical abuse during the examination. Note findings in chart and report any suspected abuse to 1-866-ENDHARM (www.dshs.wa.gov/endharm.shtml) as required by law. Abuse is more common in people with developmental disabilities and often manifests in oral trauma.

Below are references and resources which, although some are labeled for children, are very helpful for reviewing implications in adults. Autism manifests early with lifelong implications impacting the delivery of dental care.

References

• Green, D., Flanagan, D. (2008) Understanding the autistic dental patient. Gen Dent, 56(2): 167–71.
• Friedlander, A.H., Yagiela, J.A., Paterno, V.I., Mahler, M.E. (2006) The neuropathology, medical management and dental implications of autism. J Am Dent Assoc, 137: 1517–1527.
• Loo, C., Graham, R., Hughes, C. (2008) The caries experience and behavior of dental patients with autism spectrum disorder. J Am Dent Assoc, 139: 1518–1524.
• Ming, X., Brimacombe, M., Chaaban, J., Zimmerman-Bier, B., Wagner, G. C. (2008) Autism Spectrum Disorders: Concurrent Clinical Disorders. Journal of Child Neurology 23: 6–13.
• Autism and CDC
• NIH institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Additional Resources

• Autism and CDC
• NIH institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders
• MCH Resource Center
• ASTDD – Special Needs
• Block Oral Disease, MA
• Free of charge CDE course: NIDCR CDE (2 CDE hours)