TÍTULO DO TRABALHO EM THE IMPACT OF DENTAL CARIES ON THE ORAL HEALTH OF AUTISTIC

Abstract

Dental caries is a widely prevalent multifactorial chronic disease and has an even more significant impact on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) due to sensory and behavioral particularities that hinder oral hygiene and dental care. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the impact of dental caries on the oral health of autistic patients through a literature review conducted between 2020 and 2025 in the Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and PubMed databases. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 articles were selected. The studies demonstrated that, in addition to a higher incidence of cavities and periodontal disease, the use of medications that reduce saliva flow, difficulties in clinical management, and barriers to accessing dental care contribute to the worsening of the oral condition in this population. The results show that dental caries can compromise the diet, behavior, sleep, and quality of life of individuals with ASD. It is concluded that professional training, adapted communication, joint planning with caregivers, and specific public policies are essential to promote humanized, accessible care capable of reducing the impact of dental caries in people with ASD.