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Special Health Care Needs

259 - Evaluating unflavored toothpaste efficacy for plaque reduction in children with ASD

Saturday, May 24, 2025
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM MDT
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Dallin Roberts, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Residency
    Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
    Nova southeastern university
    Hollywood, Florida, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • VP

    Veronica Pena, DMD

    Nova Southeastern University

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • JC

    Jennifer Chung, PhD, LMFT

    Assistant Professor
    Nova Southeastern University
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Judith R. Chin, DDS, MS

    Program Director
    Nova Southeastern University
    Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: Many individuals with autism experience sensory processing challenges that affect their
sensitivity to tastes, textures, and smells. This study seeks to explore the effect of unflavored
toothpaste on plaque reduction in children with ASD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited participants aged 3 to 10 years with mild to severe
plaque levels from the Mailman Segal Dental Clinic. Participants completed Pre-intervention
questionnaires and baseline assessments, including the Silness and Loe plaque index. Parents
were educated on the importance of color changes in plaque, oral hygiene practices, and proper
brushing techniques. Participants received toothpaste for a month, with one group using flavored
toothpaste (control) and the other using unflavored toothpaste (experimental). Post-intervention
assessments included the plaque index and satisfaction/compliance questionnaires.
Demographic information and caregiver knowledge will be reported as frequencies and
percentages, while plaque levels, brushing time, and compliance will be reported as means and
standard deviations. A mixed ANOVA will be used to analyze changes in plaque levels between
the two groups over time.

Results: Pending

Conclusions: If successful, this study could lead to improved oral hygiene practices for children
with ASD, potentially reducing uncooperative behavior during dental treatments and enhancing
the overall quality of care for both the children and their families. The research aims to provide
valuable insights into sensory-based interventions for oral care routines within this population.

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