title: Evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of low fluoridated and calcium phosphate-based dentifrice formulations when used with powered and manual toothbrush in children with autism.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Autism is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, communication difficulties, and lacking manual dexterity. These limitations make the oral hygiene maintenance very difficult.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this present study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of low fluoridated and calcium phosphate-based dentifrice formulations when used with powered and manual toothbrush in children with autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sample comprised 22 children with autism who daily visited a day care and education center named ARUSHI - a center for children with special health care needs in Bhopal.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children were divided into two groups (Group A and B) according to toothbrush used and further divided into subgroups (A1 and B1 [low fluoridated - Pediflor toothpaste] and A2 and B2 [calcium sucrose phosphate - Enafix toothpaste]). Oral hygiene instructions and brushing technique demonstration were given every day for a period of 1-month. Oral health status was evaluated before and after the study using simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and its Miglani's modification for primary dentition, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT)/deft index. The perception of parents regarding oral hygiene practices for their kids was also evaluated by an awareness and attitude questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  OHI-S, GI, PI, and DMFT/deft were statistically evaluated using Mann-Whitney U- test.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mean value of OHI-S decreased significantly with powered toothbrush (0.035 [P < 0.05]) in both groups. However, PI decreased significantly for Enafix when used with powered toothbrush (0.042 [P < 0.05]). Perception of parents was seen to improve significantly after 1-month study (0.000 [P < 0.05]).
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Prateek
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Awasthi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Bharti
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Peshwani
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Shilpi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tiwari
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ruchi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thakur
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: N D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Shashikiran
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhanpur, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Shilpy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singla
keywords: Autism; calcium sucrose phosphate; low-fluoridated toothpaste; powered toothbrush