Background: Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder. Children with autism have problems related to physical, psychological, and mental barriers that can hinder their ability to achieve optimal dental health status. Maintaining the dental health of children with autism is influenced by parents' teaching skills and habits. From previous study, there were about 17.4% children with autism in Saudi Arabia suffering from bleeding of the gingiva. Periodontal disease is often found in children with autism. Objective: This study analyzes the relationship between mother’s behavior with periodontal status and periodontal treatment needs of children with autism. Methods: Analytical observational study with cross-sectional approach at AGCA Centre Surabaya with a total sample of 34 pairs of children with autism and their mothers. This study used the HU-DBI questionnaire which consisted of knowledge, attitude, and mother’s action and oral examination of children with autism with the CPITN index. Results: Of the children with autism, 55.8% had healthy periodontal status. The knowledge, attitudes, and actions of mothers were high. Statistical results with Spearmen correlation test obtained a value of p>0.05 on aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and actions towards the CPITN index and periodontal treatment needs. Conclusion There was no significant correlation between the mother’s behavior and the periodontal status and periodontal treatment needs of children with autism in managing their oral health.
Autistic Disorder