Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders defined by core deficits, including impaired communication, reciprocal social interaction, and stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behaviors. The salivary microbiota may serve as important indicators of oral and systemic health. In this pilot study, we identify components of the salivary microbiome in children with ASD. Saliva specimens were collected from 11 children with ASD (mean age: 10.68 years) and from 10 typically-developing individuals. Microbial DNA was extracted and utilized as templates for PCR amplification with V3-V4 16S rDNA-specific primers and high-throughput MiSeq sequencing. Taxonomic operational unit analyses and salivary microbiota profiles were conducted by LC Sciences (Houston TX); individual microbial species were further compared between children with ASD and typically-developing individuals. Rothia species were found to be statistically more prevalent in children with ASD in comparison to typically-developing children (12.2-fold change; FDR p-value = 0.031). Alternately, Megasphaera, Moraxella, Neisseria, and Gemella species were all found at significantly higher levels in typically-developing children than children with ASD, displaying 39.2-, 31.9-, 18.8- and 14.0-fold differences, respectively (all with FDR p-values < 0.011). In boys with ASD, Moraxella and Neisseria species were found at significantly-higher levels compared to typically-developing counterparts, exhibiting 42.36- and 28.62-fold differences, respectively (FDR p-values of 0.011 and 0.0004). Understanding the salivary microbiome in children with autism can lead to improved management of oral health and precision treatment planning. In addition, practitioners may be able to modify the oral microbiome as therapeutic regimens for ASD and other oral diseases.

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is a chronic disease affecting young children and has multi-factorial risk factors. The purpose of this work was to identify sex-specific differences in the salivary microbiota within caries-active children. Design: Saliva specimens were collected from 85 children (boys: 41; girls: 44) between the ages of 2-12 years. Salivary microbial DNA was subjected to PCR amplification using V3-V4 16S rDNA-specific primers and next-generation sequencing. Results: Significant sex differences in salivary microbiota were found between caries-active boys versus caries-active girls. Neisseria flavescens, Rothia aeria, and Haemophilus pittmaniae were found at significantly higher levels in caries-active boys. In contrast, Lactococcus lactis, Selenomonas species HOT 126, Actinobaculum species HOT 183, Veillonella parvula, and Alloprevotella species HOT 473 were found at significantly higher levels in caries-active girls. Conclusion: We have found the acid-generating, cariogenic Lactococcus lactis to be much more abundant in caries-active girls than caries-active boys, indicating that this microorganism may play a more significant role in shaping the cariogenic microbiome in girls. In addition, in caries-active girls, Alloprevotella species HOT 473 was the only species that exhibited both significant sex differences (4.4-fold difference; p=0.0003) as well as high abundance in numbers (1.85% of the total microbial population).

Pediatric dentists have an important role in the care and maintenance of oral health for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The primary goals of dental care are to maximize oral health and function, and to help facilitate understanding of the primary features of ASD with families and other medical and dental providers. To assist oral health professionals in the understanding of autism and associated comorbidities, this report reviews the medical presentation of patients with autism and implications for dentistry. We describe the physiological, behavioral, sensory and gastrointestinal considerations of ASD, as well as associated medical conditions, pharmacologic and non pharmacological behavior guidance, and dental considerations for the management of patients with autism. Optimization of oral health is more likely when providers understand the context of patients who present with autism and are able to educate families, guiding them toward effective interventions for health.