Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a condition where respiration stops for an extended period of time during sleep. This is generally caused by excessive relaxation of the soft tissues of the oropharynx and muscles of facial expression and mastication obstructing the airway. It has been theorized that the potentially life threatening Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), directly and indirectly influences Periodontal disease.
Literature Review Signs and symptoms of OSAS consist of snoring, abrupt awakening from sleep, apneic periods witnessed by a sleep partner, dry mouth, sore throat, and excessive daytime sleepiness. “As a life–threatening condition, OSA is associated with hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial …show more content…
However, in an AAP press release in 2009, Dr. David Cochran was quoted as saying, “During periods of high stress such as what we are currently experiencing in this economic climate, individuals should seek healthy sources of relief such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep”,(AAP Press Release, 2009). This article went on to state that the hormone cortisol may also play a role in the connection between stress and gum disease. Chronic stress is associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol and increased amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease (AAP Press Release, 2009). Those that suffer from OSAS are unable to obtain an adequate night’s sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness can interfere with maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime. Therefore a direct cause and effect relationship can be observed between OSAS and the development of periodontal disease. The strength of this relationship was illustrated by a study that showed patients with periodontitis were 4.1 times more likely to be high risk for obstructive sleep apnea than patients without periodontitis (Ejaz et al., 2013). Unfortunately, it is difficult to ascertain if the patient’s OSAS contributed to the periodontitis or vice …show more content…
It may take years for a patient to receive a diagnosis of OSAS. It is imperative that the dental hygienist asks the appropriate questions and does a thorough patient assessment in order to refer a patient to a sleep medicine specialist for further testing and diagnosis. In patients with an existing OSAS diagnosis the hygienist must carefully monitor the patient’s periodontal health and provide patient centered education regarding the maintenance of periodontal health. Salivary testing may be recommended to ascertain the types of periodontal pathogens present and the appropriate antibiotic regime appropriate for the patient.
Conclusions and Future Study In conclusion, it is necessary as oral health care providers to recognize the link between the patient’s systemic health and oral health. Further testing is needed to determine if there is a direct correlation between OSAS and periodontitis. However, there is an indirect link between the signs and symptoms of OSAS and the development of periodontitis. Dental hygienists need to be acutely aware of this indirect link and closely monitor their patients for OSAS and
Literature Review Signs and symptoms of OSAS consist of snoring, abrupt awakening from sleep, apneic periods witnessed by a sleep partner, dry mouth, sore throat, and excessive daytime sleepiness. “As a life–threatening condition, OSA is associated with hypertension, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, myocardial …show more content…
However, in an AAP press release in 2009, Dr. David Cochran was quoted as saying, “During periods of high stress such as what we are currently experiencing in this economic climate, individuals should seek healthy sources of relief such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep”,(AAP Press Release, 2009). This article went on to state that the hormone cortisol may also play a role in the connection between stress and gum disease. Chronic stress is associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol and increased amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease (AAP Press Release, 2009). Those that suffer from OSAS are unable to obtain an adequate night’s sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness can interfere with maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime. Therefore a direct cause and effect relationship can be observed between OSAS and the development of periodontal disease. The strength of this relationship was illustrated by a study that showed patients with periodontitis were 4.1 times more likely to be high risk for obstructive sleep apnea than patients without periodontitis (Ejaz et al., 2013). Unfortunately, it is difficult to ascertain if the patient’s OSAS contributed to the periodontitis or vice …show more content…
It may take years for a patient to receive a diagnosis of OSAS. It is imperative that the dental hygienist asks the appropriate questions and does a thorough patient assessment in order to refer a patient to a sleep medicine specialist for further testing and diagnosis. In patients with an existing OSAS diagnosis the hygienist must carefully monitor the patient’s periodontal health and provide patient centered education regarding the maintenance of periodontal health. Salivary testing may be recommended to ascertain the types of periodontal pathogens present and the appropriate antibiotic regime appropriate for the patient.
Conclusions and Future Study In conclusion, it is necessary as oral health care providers to recognize the link between the patient’s systemic health and oral health. Further testing is needed to determine if there is a direct correlation between OSAS and periodontitis. However, there is an indirect link between the signs and symptoms of OSAS and the development of periodontitis. Dental hygienists need to be acutely aware of this indirect link and closely monitor their patients for OSAS and