Association between comorbidities and traumatic dental injuries among children with autism spectrum disorder

Purpose This retrospective study assessed the potential developmental and demographic risk factors influencing the occurrence of Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method This study conducted a retrospective chart review of children aged 3–15 years with ASD who received care over an eight-year period at a major pediatric dental hospital in Atlantic Canada. Relevant demographic and clinical information were extracted, and statistical analyses were used to examine the relationship between risks of TDI and demographic and clinical factors. Results A total of 441 patients with ASD were included. No statistically significant associations were found between TDI and variables including sex, ASD severity, global developmental delay, gross motor delay, or seizure history. However, a trend toward increased rate of TDI was observed among children with concurrent attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conclusion These findings suggest that commonly considered clinical and demographic factors may not independently predict TDI risk in children with ASD. Further research is needed to investigate the association between comorbid ADHD and the risk of TDI in children with ASD.