Periodontitis Severity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Objectives: This cross-sectional study investigated the stages of periodontitis in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients and risk factors associated with periodontitis severity among them.

Materials And Methods: A total of 194 patients underwent a polysomnography/polygraphy and were referred to periodontal examination. According to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), patients were classified as mild OSA (AHI < 15) and moderate to severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15), whereas periodontitis severity was determined by the clinical attachment level (CAL) according to the recent Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions. Patients were grouped into two categories: stages 1 and 2, and stages 3 and 4.

Results: Higher AHI values were reported in OSA patients exhibiting periodontitis stages 3 and 4 compared to OSA patients with periodontitis stages 1 and 2 (p = 0.043) and the non-periodontitis group (p = 0.044). A positive correlation was found between AHI and mean CAL (r = 0.215; p = 0.004), and between AHI and plaque scores (r = 0.292; p < 0.001). Following a multivariable regression analysis, AHI was a significant predictor of mean CAL (β = 0.169; p = 0.031), explaining 16.4% of variability in mean CAL (adjusted R = 0.164; p < 0.001). Older patients had higher odds for an increased mean CAL (β = 0.266; p = 0.001), as well as patients smoking or formerly smoking (β = 0.305; p < 0.001) whereas visiting a dental medicine doctor once a year or more often was associated with a decreased mean CAL (β =  - 0.182; p = 0.02).

Conclusions: OSA was associated with severe stages of periodontitis along with increased age, smoking, low frequency of dental visits, and poor oral hygiene.

Clinical Relevance: Screening for periodontitis is recommended for patients with more severe forms of OSA.