Researchers have looked to see if dentists could be the first line of defence against the sleep disorder Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that affects many people, and can be life threatening in certain cases. The researchers have suggested that dentists have a unique opportunity to spot the signs of sleep disorders, and provide referrals when needed.
We all know that going to the dentist is crucial for our oral health. Dentists can check our oral health, provide advice, and discuss treatment options if necessary.
However, visiting the dentist is much more than just seeing how your oral health is. Instead, dentists are able to spot signs of physical health problems. They are highly-skilled practitioners who can also help with your overall health.
In fact, recent research has explored the possibility of dentists being considered as the first line of defense against the sleep disorder Sleep Apnea [1].
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder. It involves a person’s breathing stopping and starting intermittently while they sleep [2]. In extreme cases, it can be life threatening.
Other symptoms include snoring loudly, and waking up frequently during the night. Therefore, sleep apnea contributes to a range of problems. For example, those with the condition frequently feel tired during the daytime.
Moreover, sleep apnea has been linked with conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary artery disease [3]. Due to these concerns, it is important to get seek treatment for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is also related to our oral health. Research shows that patients with sleep apnea are likelier to have oral health problems than those without the condition [4].
The Research
A team of researchers from Rutgers Health sought to find out the role that dentists could play in spotting the signs of sleep apnea. Their findings have been published in the Journal of the American Dental Association [1].
The team conducted a literature review on sleep-focused dental medicine studies between January 1990 and March 2024. Furthermore, the team prioritized studies on neuroscience [1].
The review found that dentists can spot the early signs of sleep disorders during dental check-ups. These signs often manifest as oral health issues, which are visible in check-ups.
For example, tooth grinding, enlarged jaw muscles, tongue scalloping or patients sleeping during routine dental check-ups are all potential signs of sleep disorders [1].
Furthermore, the review found that dentists can identify at-risk patients with 80% accuracy using tools like the STOP-BANG questionnaire, along with looking for behavioural signs [1].
The STOP-BANG questionnaire is a tool used to diagnose sleep apnea. It is commonly used by healthcare professionals, and tests for various symptoms of the condition [1].
As discussed, the researchers found that this questionnaire has up to 80% accuracy. In cases where a dentist has enough time, the researchers have suggested that this questionnaire could be used when signs of sleep apnea are exhibited [1].
Alternatively, the researchers posited that adding sleep-based questions into patient history forms could help, as they would be able to provide initial information on potential sleep problems [1].
The researchers suggested that when a dentist does spot signs of sleep apnea, that a prompt referral to a relevant health professional should take place.
As a result, treatment will be able to commence. Moreover, it will also help to protect patients from complications from sleep disorders – such as heart disease and stroke [1].
Summary
These are interesting findings – and underline the importance of visiting a dentist regularly. Moreover, it is further proof that dentists offer more than just oral health services.
Dave Thomas is a clinical associate professor at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He commented by saying “dentists can be the first line of defence in identifying sleep disorders” [5].
Continuing, Thomas said that this is in part because “they often see symptoms long before physicians” [5]. Therefore, dentists are in a position to be able to assist at an early stage.
Just like with dental conditions, the earlier that sleep apnea is detected and treated – the higher the chance of a positive treatment outcome.
It is very important that patients understand the importance of attending a dental clinic regularly. Not only can their oral health be boosted, but their physical health will also be taken into account.
Thinking points…
1) This research further underlines the importance of visiting the dentist! As shown above, it boosts your oral health and your overall health too! Therefore, make sure you attend the dentist for a check-up at least once every six months. At a check-up, a dentist will be able to take a look at your oral health and provide advice and treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment right away!
2) Do you, or someone you know, have trouble sleeping? Many people are unaware that they have a sleep disorder. You could share this article with anyone you know that struggles to sleep, or on your social media accounts. This could help them to realise that they might have a problem, and serves as a reminder to them about the importance of the dentist. Why not share the article now?
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Thomas, D. C., Somaiya, T., Cruz, M. M. E., Pitchumani, P. K., Ardeshna, A., Ravi, A., & Prabhakar, S. (2024). The enigma of sleep: Implications of sleep neuroscience for the dental clinician and patient. The Journal of the American Dental Association. 155 (9): p735-746. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2024.05.007.
[2] NHS. (2022). Sleep apnoea. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-apnoea/. Last accessed: 19th September 2024.
[3] Girardin, J-L., Zizi, F., Clark, L. T., Brown, C. D., & McFarlane, S. I. (2008). Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: Role of the Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 4 (3): p261-272. PMID: 18595441.
[4] Daljeet, M., Warunek, S., Covell, D. A., Monegro, A., Giangreco, T., & Al-Jewair, T. (2022). Association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and bone mineral density in adult orthodontic populations. The Journal of Craniomandibular & Sleep Practice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08869634.2022.2142724.
[5] Oral Health. (2024). Could dentists be the first line of defence against sleep apnea? A review says yes. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/oral-health/could-dentists-be-the-first-line-of-defence-against-sleep-apnea-a-review-says-yes-1003981226/. Last accessed: 19th September 2024.
