Systemic effects of oral appliance treatment for sleep related breathing disorders

Abstract

Sleep related breathing disorders (SRBDs) are a spectrum of diseases characterized by difficulties in airflowduring sleep. Central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep-related hypoventilation, and hypoxemiadisorder are included in this disease entity. OSA is known to be the most common SRBDs and studies show its significant correlation with general health issues including hypertension, arrhythmia, diabetes, and metabolicsyndrome. The relationship between cardiovascular risk and OSA is especially significant with systemic inflammation, intermittent hypoxia, and increased oxidative stress considered as the underlying mechanism. Previous studies show that oral appliance treatment for OSA has a positive impact on lowering blood pressure and such an effect is non-inferior to that of continuous positive airway pressure therapy. More recent studies also support the favorable effect of oral appliance treatment for OSA patients in the aspect of endocrine, psychologic disorders, and cogni-tive function. Furthermore oral appliance treatment for OSA is known to improve the overall quality of life and daytime sleepiness levels of the patient.The dentist who is experienced in dental sleep medicine can easily identify patients with the risk of OSA andprovide appropriate treatment. The dentist should play an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of OSAwhich is inevitably connected to the well-being of the patient and better treatment results for various conditions. So the objective of this article is to assist dental professionals in gaining knowledge and insight of the systemic effects of oral appliance treatment for OSA.