Oral health status of children with autism spectrum disorder in KSA: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face challenges in maintaining good oral health, because of factors including sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and microbial imbalances in the oral cavity. Despite growing awareness of ASD, both in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and globally, no systematic review has comprehensively assessed the effects of ASD on oral health status in KSA. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing whether the oral health of individuals with ASD in KSA might differ from that of neurotypical individuals, on the basis of a systematic review framework. Materials and methods: According to the Participants, Exposure, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework, a systematic search of electronic databases was conducted, and screening was independently performed by two reviewers. Conflicts were resolved through discussion. Data on study characteristics and oral health findings were independently extracted by the two reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. Results: Of 763 initially identified articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria. These studies indicated that children with ASD have a higher prevalence of dental caries, greater gingival inflammation, and a greater risk of dental trauma than their neurotypical peers. Parents of children with ASD showed elevated concern regarding their children's oral health. Conclusion: Training dental professionals to manage patients with ASD is essential. Further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methods is necessary to enhance understanding of the relationship between ASD and oral health outcomes in KSA.