Systemic effects of oral appliance treatment for sleep related breathing disorders

Kim, Hee-Young; Park, Ji Woon

doi:2021.59.12.742

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 59(12); 2021 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2021;59(12):742-750.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22974/jkda.2021.59.12.005 Published online November 30, 2021.

구강내 장치를 이용한 수면호흡장애 치료의 전신적 효과

김희영

, 박지운

서울대학교 치의학대학원 구강내과진단학교실, 서울대학교치과병원 구강내과

Systemic effects of oral appliance treatment for sleep related breathing disorders

Hee-Young Kim

, Ji Woon Park

Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Department of Oral Medicine, Seoul National University Dental Hospital

Correspondence: Ji Woon Park, Tel: 82-2-2072-4912, Fax: 82-2-744-9135,
Email: ankara01@snu.ac.kr

Abstract

Sleep related breathing disorders (SRBDs) are a spectrum of diseases characterized by difficulties in airflow during sleep. Central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), sleep-related hypoventilation, and hypoxemia disorder 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 metabolic syndrome. 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 and provide appropriate treatment. The dentist should play an important part in the diagnosis and treatment of OSA which 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.

Key Words: Sleep related breathing disorders; snoring; obstructive sleep apnea; cardiovascular disease; endocrine disorder; cognitive dysfunction; mood disorder