Determination of the Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Chronic Periodontal Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic periodontitis share inflammatory pathways, potentially exacerbating periodontal disease with increased severity of OSA.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 500 patients with sleep disorders. The prevalence and severity of OSA were determined using polysomnography and the Apnoea-Hypopnea Index, categorized into three stages, and associated comorbidities were recorded from medical records. The periodontal status was evaluated using clinical parameters such as the Oral Hygiene Index, Gingival Index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession.

RESULTS

Patients with periodontal disease (OSA) had varying severity levels, with severe OSA (78.4%) causing more severe periodontal disease compared to moderate (35.4%) and mild (20.3%) patients. Patients with moderate and severe OSA stages showed significantly higher prevalence of comorbidities like hypertension (100%), coronary heart disease (90.5%), diabetes mellitus (71.6%), and obesity (51.4%) with statistically significant associations found (P < 0.05). Patients also exhibit parafunctional habits, including smoking (43.2%) and mouth breathing (60.8%).

CONCLUSION

A significant association between mild OSA, increasing with age and males, and chronic periodontal disease, with severe OSA exhibiting greater periodontal destruction was found.