Association Between Periodontal Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: What the Periodontist Should Know.

In recent years, studies have revealed a possible link between periodontitis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Chronic periodontitis is characterized by the destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth through complex cascades of inflammatory responses, and OSA seems to share common pathways, acting synergistically. This review article summarizes the literature on the potential association between a chronic oral infection such as periodontitis and OSA and discusses how clinicians can benefit their patients by understanding the commonalities and interplay that may exist between these two disorders.