Bruxism is an oral pathology of interest not only for dentists but also for specialists in sleep disorders. Sleep bruxism (SB) has been associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome 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 identifi cation 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 8and 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 signifi cant 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: apnea-hypopnea index, AHI, obstructive sleep apnea, bruxism, tooth wear Citation: Durán-Cantolla J, Alkhraisat MH, Martínez-Null C, Aguirre JJ, Guinea ER, Anitua E. Frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in dental patients with tooth wear.