Journal Article Summary
The article reviews the clinical management of two related sleep disorders: sleep-related bruxism (SRB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). SRB involves involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching during sleep, affecting a significant portion of the adult population, while OSA is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to serious health risks. Understanding how these two conditions can co-occur is important because they can complicate treatment plans, especially for patients needing dental rehabilitation.
The authors conducted a narrative review, synthesizing existing literature on SRB and OSA to provide insights into their co-occurrence and management strategies. They found that while the two conditions can occur together in a notable percentage of adults, the evidence linking them causally is still inconclusive. Diagnosis typically involves clinical assessments and home sleep testing, and treatment options may include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, oral appliances, and various therapies, each with its own limitations and risks.
Limitations of the review include its non-systematic nature and the lack of strong evidence establishing a direct causal relationship between SRB and OSA. Patients should be aware of the potential health risks associated with untreated OSA, which can lead to serious complications. It is advisable for individuals experiencing symptoms of either condition to consult healthcare professionals for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan, as interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and sleep specialists is essential for optimal management.
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Article Cited
- Dal Fabbro Cibele, Bornhardt‐Suazo Thomas, Landry Schönbeck Anaïs, de Meyer Micheline, Lavigne Gilles J.. Understanding the clinical management of co‐occurring sleep‐related bruxism and obstructive sleep apnea in adults: A narrative and critical review. Journal of Prosthodontics 2024. DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13966. PMID: 39478325. PMCID: PMC12000643.
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