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. 2015 Apr 15;11(4):445-50.
doi: 10.5664/jcsm.4602.

Frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in dental patients with tooth wear

Joaquín Durán-Cantolla  1   2   3   4   5 , Mohammad Hamdan Alkhraisat  6 , Cristina Martínez-Null  1   2   3   4 , Jose Javier Aguirre  6 , Elena Rubio Guinea  6 , Eduardo Anitua  1   6
Affiliations

Frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in dental patients with tooth wear

Joaquín Durán-Cantolla et al. J Clin Sleep Med. .

Abstract

Study objectives: To estimate the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in dental patients with tooth wear, and to assess the role of dentists in the identification of patients at risk of OSAS.

Methods: Dental patients with tooth wear and treated with occlusal splint were prospectively recruited to perform sleep study. The severity of tooth wear was established by the treating dentist before patient referral to sleep disorders unit. Sleep questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and validated respiratory polygraphy were performed.

Results: All patients with dental wear were offered a sleepiness analysis. Of 31 recruited patients, 30 (77% males) participated in this study. Patients' mean age was 58.5 ± 10.7 years (range: 35-90 years) and the body mass index was 27.9 ± 3.4 kg/m(2). Tooth wear was mild in 13 patients, moderate in 8 and severe in 9. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 32.4 ± 24.9. AHI < 5 was reported in 2 patients, AHI of 5-29 in 17, and AHI ≥ 30 in 11. A statistically significant association was found between AHI severity and tooth wear severity (Spearman R = 0.505; p = 0.004).

Conclusions: Tooth wear could be a tool to identify those patients at risk of having OSAS. This highlights the importance of dental professionals to identify and refer patients with OSAS.

Keywords: AHI; apnea-hypopnea index; bruxism; obstructive sleep apnea; tooth wear.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study flow chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Clinical images showing variation in the severity of tooth wear among patients who participated in the study.
(A) Mild teeth wear, (B) moderate teeth wear, (C,D) severe teeth wear.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Correlation between the AHI and the severity of tooth wear in patients diagnosed with bruxism.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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