Autism Severity, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Oral Health: A Comparative Study of Adolescents in the United States.

Abstract

Dental health significantly influences overall child physical well-being, academic success, and psychosocial development. This paper explores the intersection of a range of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) functionality, multiple types of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and dental health in adolescents. The purpose is to investigate the independent and interactive effects of ASD severity and ACEs on dental outcomes. Data from the 2018 and 2019 National Surveys of Children's Health were analyzed, focusing on 28,263 adolescents (ages 11-17). Logistic regressions assessed associations between ASD severity (mild, moderate, severe), cumulative number of ACEs, and dental outcomes (teeth condition, cavities or bleeding gums, check-ups, cleanings). Covariates included demographic and socioeconomic factors. Controlling for covariates, severe autism independently increased the odds of poor teeth (odds ratio = 6.17), cavities or bleeding gums (OR = 3.76), no previous year check-up(OR = 2.94), and no previous year cleaning (OR = 4.20). Higher ACE scores also independently increased the odds of all dental outcomes. Interactions revealed a cumulative effect of multiple ACEs on poor dental outcomes only for adolescents with severe levels of autism. This study illuminates the heightened vulnerability of adolescents with severe autism and a history of ACEs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Multidisciplinary strategies integrating dental care and mental health support within tailored interventions are crucial for improving dental health and access for older youth with low functioning autism. While these findings provide valuable insights, the cross-sectional design and reliance on parental reports necessitate cautious interpretation.