Dental Adaptation Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder—A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Abstract

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with dental care due to sensory sensitivities and behavioral issues, increasing their risk for oral health problems. Adaptation strategies such as visual aids, video modeling, and sensory-adapted environments aim to improve their dental experiences. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines using the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Of the 1072 records screened, nine RCTs were included in the analysis. Studies included children with ASD under 18 years and compared dental adaptation techniques with traditional care. The risk of bias and study quality were assessed. The quality of evidence for the results was determined using the GRADE tool. Results: Nine RCTs with sample sizes ranging from 25 to 138 participants showed significant improvements in oral hygiene, reduced anxiety, and increased cooperation. Video modeling and sensory-adapted environments were particularly effective in lowering distress during dental visits. Conclusions: Dental adaptation strategies, especially video modeling and sensory-adapted environments, effectively improve oral health outcomes and reduce anxiety in children with ASD. More research is needed to explore the long-term effects and include children with severe ASD.