Importance of parental involvement in dental care of ASD patients: case report

Abstract

Introduction: The involvement of parents in the dental care of a patient with ASD is fundamental to its success, as they are responsible for familiarizing the patient with the clinical environment, providing security and reassurance during care and collaborating with their adaptation and treatment both in the clinic and at home. Objective: To describe the importance of parental involvement in the dental care of a patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Case report: Signed informed consent. School patient, 9 years old, ASD, Frankl 2. Mixed dentition first stage, high cariogenic risk, in caries activity. Dental treatment under the concept of minimal intervention and non-restorative treatment. Parents perform: brushing and flossing 3 times a day with fluoride paste 5,000 ppm, maintaining the patient's condition stable through periodic clinical controls and constant work at home with individualized preventive measures that reduce the risk of disease. Discussion: The dentist-family-patient link makes it possible to know the cognitive-behavioral patterns of the ASD patient, and from the biopsychosocial point of view to establish a therapeutic approach strategy. This interrelationship and the commitment of the parents allows intermediate treatments to be carried out, thus avoiding invasive dental interventions. Conclusion: It is essential to form a therapeutic alliance between the patient, parents and dentist that allows optimal communication and care for a better result in each attention and treatment, emphasizing the role of the parents as promoters of the maintenance of oral and dental health, which translates into an improvement in the quality of life of these patients.