Are adults with autism receiving regular preventive dental services?

Researchers looked at dental care for 119 adults with autism. They found that only 1 in 3 autistic adults get regular dental checkups (at least once per year). The adults in the study had many health problems including mental health issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Those taking more medications were more likely to see a dentist regularly. This shows autistic adults may not be getting the dental care they need.

This cross-sectional study examined preventive dental care utilization among 119 adults with autism (mean age 30.8 years, 67% male). Participants showed high rates of comorbidities including mental health issues (86%), diabetes (16%), and heart disease (34%). Only 35% received at least one preventive dental visit annually, with an average of 7.9 visits overall. The number of medications (mean 7.2) was the only factor significantly associated with preventive dental visits.

Additional health factors included high BMI (42.8), xerostomia (32%), and substance use. The findings highlight significant gaps in preventive dental care access for autistic adults despite their complex health needs.

Findings suggest substantial unmet preventive dental care needs among autistic adults. Healthcare providers should proactively address dental care barriers and consider integrated care approaches. The association between medication use and dental visits may indicate opportunities for medical-dental care coordination.

Small sample size (n=119) from a single healthcare system limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Study only included patients with at least one recorded preventive procedure, potentially excluding those with no dental care access. Unclear methodology for autism diagnosis verification.

To investigate the frequency of preventive dental care among adults with autism and explore factors associated with receiving regular preventive care. De-identified data was collected from electronic health records of 18-year-old or older patients with autism that had at least one preventive dental procedure recorded. The data was then analyzed to describe the frequency of preventive dental procedures provided for this population and investigate what variables are associated with regular care. Sample size was 119, 67% were males, average age was 30.8 years, and 58% had Medicaid.

Average BMI was 42.8, the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease were 16% and 34%, respectively, and 86% reported mental health problems. Recreational drug use was 6.8%, alcohol use was 19%, and tobacco use 16%. Xerostomia was reported by 32%, and the average number of medications was 7.2 ± 5.5. The average number of preventive dental visits was 7.9 ± 10.6, and 35% of the patients had at least one preventive dental visit per year.

Only number of medications had a statistically significant association with number of preventive dental visits. Only one in every three adults with autism had at least one preventive dental visit per year.