الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 177 |  |  |
| | | from | 177 | | |
Abstract
The present study was carried out over a period of 4 months. The study
sample consisted of thirty autistic children attending rehabilitation center of
ASD children in Benghazi, Libya and parallel control group , which consisted
of thirty non autistic healthy children selected from relatives of the autistic
patients.
Personal and dental data were collected using a questionnaire which
included demographic data of the child and parents, medical history, dental
history, dietary habits, parent’s ability to predict cooperation of their children
during dental examination and their expectations and acceptance of
management techniques that can be used with the child and self injurious
behaviors.
The behavior of each child was assessed by means of the Franklʼ s
scale. Extra oral examination included assessment of scars, evidence of
trauma to the head and neck, hands and fingers. Intra oral examination
included dental caries experience was assessed according to DMFT and dmft
indices . Oral hygiene was assessed according to Silness and Loe plaque
index, gingival condition was assessed according to Loe and Silness Gingival
index. Bruxism assessment was based on the attrition shown on enamel
surfaces of all teeth. Infections involving teeth and soft tissues, eruption
pattern, developmental dental anomalies and oral injuries were all assessed
clinically .
Although parents had generally good educational level, they gave less
attention to dental problems and their treatment. Half of the autistic patients
were on medication that included antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
Significant difference existed between both groups regarding their visits to
dental clinics and their ability to find a dentist. Parents of autistic reported
that it was very difficult for them to locate a dentist willing to treat their
children. All of autistic and non autistic children received dental care in
private dental clinics and most of them were treated by general practitioners.
Significant differences existed between both groups in tooth brushing and use
of tooth paste.