Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 198, 473 - 474 (2005)
Published online: 23 April 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812250
Autoextraction in a child with autistic spectrum disorder
- Dentists treating patients with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) should be aware of the high levels of self-injurious behaviour within this group.
- Exfoliation of a deciduous tooth with an intact root warrants further investigation.
- Unexplained dental pain in a child with autism may be due to self-injury.
Abstract
Many children with mild/moderate autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) receive care in general dental practice. We report a seven year old boy with ASD presenting with dental pain who auto-extracted one of his deciduous canines. Children with ASD may have hyposensitivity to pain and can exhibit unusual forms of self-injurious behaviour.
- Clinical Head of Community Dental Service, Community Dental Department, Princess of Wales Hospital, Lynn Road, Ely, CB6 1DN
- Professor of Oral Pathology, University Dental Hospital of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester M15 6FH.
Correspondence to: M Ross-Russell1 e-mail: maria.ross-russell@southcambs-pct.nhs.uk