Characteristics of Malocclusion in Iraqi Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ALMusawi Maha Adil1,*, Al-Dabagh Dhiaa Jaafar2 1Dentistry, Ministry of Health, Iraq 2College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad, Iraq *Corresponding Author: Dr. Maha Adil ALMusawi, Email: maha.adil2010@gmail.com
Online published on 27 November, 2019. Abstract Background Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication with repetitive and restrictive stereotyped patterns of behavior. Numerous theories have been suggested regarding the etiology of Autism spectrum disorder; however, the exact cause is still unknown. Genetic and environmental factors, such as intrauterine viral infections or exposure to teratogenic drugs, have been proposed as possible etiologies for this condition. The aim of current study was to assess the characteristic of malocclusion among children with autism spectrum disorder and to describe the most common malocclusion traits in this population. Methods This cross-sectional study included children diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder aged between 9 and 12 years. Randomly selected healthy children, with the same demographic characteristics, comprised the control group. Dental charts were reviewed to obtain children's socio-demographic characteristics and type of occlusion. Information on each child's over jet, overbite, cross bite, open bite, deep bite, displacement, spacing and crowding were recorded. Results The Autism spectrum disorder group consisted of 187 children, whereas 190 children were in the control group. Patients with Autism spectrum disorder were significantly more likely to have increased over jet, deep bite and spacing. Conclusions The prevalence of malocclusion was higher among children with Autism spectrum disorder. Increased over jet and deep bite were the most common malocclusion traits in these children. Top Keywords Autism spectrum disorder, malocclusion, dental charts, over jet, deep bite. Top |