Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep condition that affects countless individuals worldwide. It is defined by repeated cessation of breathing during sleep, which can last from a couple of seconds to numerous minutes. These breathing stops briefly can take place numerous times throughout the night and can cause a fragmented sleep pattern, causing sensations of excessive daytime sleepiness, tiredness, and irritation.
Research led by the University at Buffalo recommends a prospective link between obstructive sleep apnea and low bone mineral density in adults.
These findings hold substantial value for people with sleep apnea, as low bone mineral density is an indication for osteoporosis, a condition that deteriorates and makes bones vulnerable. Senior author Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, Associate Professor of Orthodontics at the UB School of Dental Medicine and Director of the schools Advanced Education Program in Orthodontics, highlights that in addition to increasing the possibility of fractures, low bone mineral density also has an unfavorable impact on oral health, causing teeth to become loose and dental implants to fail.
The research study was published in The Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice. The scientists used cone beam calculated tomography (CBCT)– a kind of X-ray– to determine bone density in the head and neck of 38 adult individuals, half of whom had obstructive sleep apnea.
When managing for weight, age, and sex, the individuals with obstructive sleep apnea had considerably lower bone mineral density than the individuals without the condition.
Obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by problem breathing while asleep, can trigger hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body), swelling, oxidative tension, and shortened breathing patterns. Each of these signs might have a chronic negative effect on bone metabolism and, ultimately, bone density, states Al-Jewair.
” While the link in between obstructive sleep apnea and low bone mineral density has yet to be totally explored, this study offers new evidence on their connection that could have a number of ramifications for orthodontic treatment,” states Al-Jewair, likewise assistant dean for equity, diversity, and addition in the UB School of Dental Medicine.
” If a patient has been detected with sleep apnea, this can influence treatment planning and management. CBCT imaging has actually become an integral part of daily orthodontic practice and might be utilized as a screening tool for low bone mineral density,” she said. “Orthodontists could then notify their clients of their propensity for low bone mineral density and encourage them to look for further assessment with their doctor, in addition to alert the patient of possible negative results, increased dangers, and effects on treatment time.”
Future research study with larger sample sizes is required, states Al-Jewair.
Recommendation: “Association in between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and bone mineral density in adult orthodontic populations” by Mira Daljeeta, DMD, MS, Stephen Warunek, DDS, MS, David A. Covell, DDS, Ph.D., Alberto Monegro, MD, Terry Giangreco, DDS, MS and Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, MSc, MS, FRCD( C), 11 November 2022, The Journal of Craniomandibular & & Sleep Practice.DOI: 10.1080/ 08869634.2022.2142724.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a typical sleep condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These breathing pauses can take place several times throughout the night and can lead to a fragmented sleep pattern, triggering feelings of extreme daytime sleepiness, tiredness, and irritability.
” If a patient has actually been identified with sleep apnea, this can affect treatment planning and management.
